AEDs: The Basics
What is an AED?
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable, lifesaving medical device designed to analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver a controlled electric shock if needed. This shock can restore a normal heartbeat in someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). AEDs are safe, simple, and can be operated by anyone—even without medical training.
What Does AED Stand For?
You have probably seen a white and red sign with a heart and lightning bolt saying “AED” at the airport, a large sports stadium, or somewhere in your community. AED is an abbreviation for Automated External Defibrillator.
How Does an AED Work?
AEDs work by delivering an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm in the case of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Using sensors/electrodes in the pads attached to the chest, AEDs analyze heart rhythms and determine if a shock is needed. AEDs guide users through pad placement and delivering the shock with clear voice and visual prompts.
Why Are AEDs Essential?
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime—at schools, gyms, offices, homes, or public spaces. Without immediate help, SCA is nearly always fatal. AEDs can double or triple survival rates when used within the first few minutes.
Every minute matters: Survival decreases by 7–10% with each minute defibrillation is delayed.
What is the Difference Between an AED vs. Manual Defibrillator?
The key difference between an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and a manual defibrillator lies in their intended use and level of automation. AEDs are designed for use by untrained individuals in public places, while defibrillators, typically found in hospitals and ambulances, are for use by trained medical professionals.
AEDs are portable, lightweight, and user-friendly with voice prompts and step-by-step instructions to guide a person along the way. Manual defibrillators have more advanced capabilities, including ECG monitoring and the ability to deliver synchronized cardioversion.
AED Types, Brands, & Models
There are two main types of AEDs: public access and professional use.
Public access AEDs can be found in airports, community centers, schools, government buildings, hospitals, and other public locations. They are intended to be used by laypeople who have received minimal or no training.
Professional use AEDs are used by first responders, such as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, and include features like ECG display and manual override.
AEDs can also be semi-automatic or fully-automatic.
Semi-automatic defibrillators analyze the heart's rhythm, and if an abnormal heart rhythm is detected that requires a shock, the device prompts the user to press a button to deliver a defibrillation shock.
Fully-automatic defibrillators analyze the heart's rhythm, and if an abnormal heart rhythm is detected that requires a shock, the device automatically delivers a defibrillation shock without user intervention.
FDA approved AED Brands:
FDA approved AED Brands sold by AED.US consist of the following manufacturers:
FDA approved AED Brands not sold by AED.US consist of the following manufacturers:
- Avive
Complete List of all FDA Approved Models
Where Should AEDs Be Placed?
Ideal AED placement includes:
- Schools and universities
- Gyms and athletic fields
- Offices and business parks
- Airports, malls, and public transit
- Churches, community centers, and homes
Note: Local laws may require AEDs in certain facilities.
Who Can Use an AED?
You can. AEDs are designed for ease of use—even by children. Most states have Good Samaritan laws protecting bystanders who act in good faith during an emergency.
Want to Know More About AEDs? Check Out These Blog Posts
- A Comprehensive Guide to Automated External Defibrillators
- How to Use an AED: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- The Best AEDs of the Year
- What Does a Defibrillator Do?
- AED Pad Placement Guide
- Can You Use an AED on a Pregnant Woman?