What it means
A small machine found in hospitals and public places that anyone trained in basic life support can use. Once the pads are on the bare chest, it reads the rhythm, tells the rescuer by voice whether a shock is advised, and delivers it when the button is pressed (some deliver it on their own). It can shock only ventricular fibrillationven-TRIK-yuh-ler fib-ruh-LAY-shunA heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.ventricul/o ventricle-ar relating tofibrill small fiber, twitching-ation processFull entry and pulseless ventricular tachycardiaven-TRIK-yuh-ler tak-ih-KAR-dee-uhA fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), usually over 100 beats per minute.ventricul/o ventricletachy- fastcardi/o heart-ia conditionFull entry .
For the nurse
Use it as soon as it arrives during cardiopulmonary resuscitationkar-dee-oh-PUL-muh-nair-ee rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunEmergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.cardi/o heartpulmon/o lung-ary relating toresuscitation bringing back to lifeFull entry : turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Make sure no one touches the client while it analyzes and shocks, then restart compressions right away. Dry a wet chest first and do not place a pad over an implanted pacemaker or a medication patch.
In a chart
"AED applied at 0312; shock advised and delivered; compressions resumed immediately."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | AED (also used for antiepileptic drug; read it in context) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | desfibrilador externo automático |
| Also written | automated external defibrillators |
Related terms
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.
ventricular tachycardia
A fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), usually over 100 beats per minute.
ventricular fibrillation
A heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.