AED

An AED is used to revive someone when they suffer sudden cardiac arrest. This usually occurs when a disruption in the heart's electrical activity causes a dangerously fast heartbeat (ventricular tachycardia) or a fast and irregular heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation). If you're having one of these irregular heart rhythms, your heart doesn't pump effectively and may even stop. 

If this happens, vital organs, including your brain, don't get the blood and oxygen they need, and you can die or suffer permanent damage if you don't get treatment within minutes. The sooner your heart's normal rhythm is restored, the greater the chance that you won't have permanent damage to your brain and other organs.

If you suffer sudden cardiac arrest and an AED is nearby, a bystander in a public place or a family member can use it to restore a heart back to a normal rhythm and possibly save your life.  CPR after sudden cardiac arrest can keep blood flowing to your heart and brain for a time. 

Often times, only defibrillation can restore the heart's normal rhythm. 

Combined, CPR & and an AED can improve your chances of survival. 

Begin by turning on the AED. The device will give you step-by-step voice instructions explaining what to look for and how to position the electrode pads on the person's chest.

When the pads are in place, the AED will automatically analyize the person's heart rhythm and determines if a shock is needed. 

If needed, the machine instructs the user to stand clear and push the shock button to deliver the shock. 

The AED will NOT deliver a shock if it is not needed.

Provided you perform only the skills you were taught and to the best of your ability, you will be protected by Good Samaritan legislation, available in all 50 states.