An Automatic External Defibrillator, or commonly known as an AED, is used to diagnose and treat the acute onset of cardiac arrhythmia. These devices can be found in many public buildings, restaurants, and health facilities. In the unlikely event that an AED needs to be used, the simple design and functioning allows for even an untrained individual to provide much needed help to an individual in distress. These self contained units automatically assess the threat potential, instruct the user on correct application, charge, and deploy based on need. This functioning eliminates the guesswork from what could be the difference between life and death. As many of us have come to find, the onset of a stressful situation where an life may hang in the balance is difficult enough to cope with let alone provide assistance. Use of such medical equipment helps to alleviate much of that concern.

The sensors built into an automatic defibrillator can detect and signal the need to act eliminating guesswork during an already stressful situation. When an AED is turned on, the device will instruct the user how to place the electrodes (pads) on the affected individual and will automatically assess the individuals' heart rhythm. If it is determined that the automatic defibrillator must be used, the unit will charge and instruct the user to clear the area around the individual and prepare to deploy any necessary shock. Based on its intrinsic simplicity, the use of an automatic external defibrillator allows even an untrained individual to assist an afflicted person. Additionally, the defibrillator will track the amount of necessary charge and frequency of delivery in order to provide essential information to medical response teams. This is particularly helpful in public settings where many passers are not trained as medical professionals such as at a health club or a public building.

Though an individual suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia will still require medical attention, an automatic external defibrillator may make the difference between healthy recovery and irreversible brain damage or death. Electrical therapy, like that delivered from an AED can significantly reduce potentially life threatening situations and the administration in cases of heart distress is protected so that individuals are empowered to assist if necessary without fear of repercussion. Cardiac distress can occur at any time and for a number of reasons with or without warning. Since the potential exists and can affect any age of individual it is important to be properly prepared for such an event.

The use of AED's or Automatic External Defibrillators has become more prevalent over the last few years. Though these are cost prohibitive for individuals, and in most cases not necessary in the home, it is quite common to find them clearly marked in many places. The simplicity of design and ease of use make this a simple tool for protecting the well being of community members. Combined with the accessibility of emergency response individuals and standard first aid methods many potential threatening medical conditions can be promptly attended to.