Difference Between AED and Defibrillator

AED Vs Defibrillator

A defibrillator is a device that is used in defibrillation. It has been a usual piece in emergency rooms and other medical centers that is geared towards saving the lives of many patients who are suffering from heart arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia (pulseless) and ventricular fibrillation among others. In the course of time, these defibrillators that are usually seen in TV have evolved to become more advanced equipment that are said to be more efficient than conventional defibs. One of these advancements is the AED.

The AED, completely known as the automated external defibrillator, is one of the many types of defibrillators today. Other types of defibs are: the manual defibrillators (external or internal), semi automated external defibrillators, the ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), wearable cardiac defibrillator, and of course the AED.

An AED is a handy electronic gadget that can even diagnose the most fatal cardiac arrhythmias in a patient. Aside from diagnosing the heart rhythm, it is also able to do defibrillation like what conventional defibrillators can do. The principle used in all defibrillators (no matter what kind) is the same ‘“ sending an electric shock which directly halts the abnormal heart rhythm. This stoppage of arrhythmia stimulates the heart to produce normal and effective cardiac patterns.

The AED has been invented because of its easy usage. Even the layman can learn how to use such without complete medical background. All that’s needed for one to learn how to operate the AED is sufficient defibrillation training which is usually given in first aid training sessions, first responder classes, and BLS (basic life support) seminars. Because of its automatic nature, it is much simple to use than the older models. You even need less training when you plan to use an AED.

The electric shock passes directly through the wall of the chest and therefore reaches the patient’s heart. A sort of built-in computer with a microprocessor is able to gain access to the subject’s current heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes making it known to the AED operator if the patient needed defibrillation processes. There are two prompts, one is the audible prompt and the other is a visual prompt which guide the operator throughout the defibrillation procedure. In the AED, the shock is coursed through the electrode pads.

1. The AED is a newer type of defibrillator compared to conventional defibrillators.

2. The AED is a specific type of defibrillator. There are many subtypes of defibrillators used nowadays.

3. The AED is a more portable version of the conventional defibrillator.

4. The AED is much simple and automatic.

5. The AED is able to assess the need for defibrillation unlike ordinary defibrillators

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