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Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are a piece of new or refurbished medical equipment used to correct a fibrillation, or irregular heart rate that is negatively impacting blood flow. Unlike standard defibrillators used in hospitals and doctor’s offices, however, the automated external defibrillator can be operated by anybody.
A defibrillator is used when a person experiences cardiac arrest or a heart attack. The defibrillator is placed on the chest and an electric current or shock is channeled via electrodes or paddles. The shock is meant to bump the patient’s abnormal elevated heart rhythm back into a normal range, therefore returning blow flow to normal levels.
An Automated External Defibrillator determines whether or not a shock is warranted, and if so, what level of energy is required to revive the patient. Someone with little or no medical training can use an AED with no worry because the user cannot override the determination of the AED line of medical products.
Due to the reduced risk of defibrillating someone who is not in cardiac arrest, the Automated External Defibrillator has become a fixture at many public venues such as airports, casinos or sports arenas. Many people (especially athletes and the elderly), have suffered from sudden cardiac arrest only to be saved by the presence of an AED.
As this piece of important medical equipment continues to appear in more and more public areas, the hope is that the tragic results of sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack can be reduced significantly.
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