If you’ve never seen an AED and you’re a fan of medical TV shows you may get an image of someone placing paddles on someone’s chest and the body ‘jumping’ from the shock. That’s a manual defibrillator, very commonly found in hospitals and medical shows, and very different to an AED.

An AED (automated external defibrillator) comes in two configurations – semi-automatic and fully-automatic. They function almost exactly the same way and both have the potential to save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. In this article we’ll shed some light on the differences, benefits, and which type might be best for you.

A semi-automatic AED has a button for the rescuer to push if a shock is required,

A fully-automatic AED automatically shocks the patient if a shockable heart rhythm is detected.

What they have in common

  • Both types of AED require that the rescuer properly apply the electrode pads to the patient.
  • When using either to deliver a shock, nobody else can be touching the patient when the shock is administered.
  • Neither a semi-automatic nor a fully-automatic AED will shock a patient unless the device detects a shockable rhythm in the patient’s heartbeat.
  • All AEDs have verbal and visual prompts to guide you through the rescue process
  • Both types of AED provide a life-saving shock to someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.

Semi-Automatic AEDs – the benefits

Semi-automatic AEDs provide the rescuer with control over when the shock is administered. This can be desirable because it allows rescuers to ensure nobody is in contact with the patient’s body at the time of shock.

If the unit advises the rescuer that a shock is required, the rescuer has two specific actions to take:

  1. Ensure everyone is clear and nobody is touching the patient.
  2. Push the shock button.

Fully-Automatic AEDs – the benefits

Once the electrode pads are applied to the patient, a fully-automatic AED administers the shock automatically, if needed, without any further action from the rescuer.

It gives the rescuer time to stop CPR, advises them to not touch the patient, and gives a countdown to the shock. An example would be: “Shock advised. Do not touch the patient. Do not touch the patient. Shock will be delivered in 3…2…1. Shock delivered. Start CPR.”

When using a fully-automatic AED, the rescuer isn’t responsible for pushing the button and instead only has one action to take: making sure no one is touching the patient when the shock is delivered.

Fully automatic models are designed to help responders who may hesitate in cardiac arrest emergencies. Studies have shown that fully automatic AEDs are safe, effective and may reduce extended delays associated with someone hesitating to push the shock button during a rescue.

How to Choose

When choosing between semi-automatic and fully-automatic AEDs the main thing to consider is who will be using the device. If the rescuers are likely to have some training, be calm in crises or want control of the situation, then a semi-automatic might be the best choice. If the AED is going to be in a public place or potentially have a variety of unknown rescuers, then a fully-automatic would suit.

The Bottom Line

Any choice is the right choice, as long as you have an AED!

Any attempt at resuscitation is better than none and both types of AED are equally effective at saving lives. All AEDs provide clear, concise instructions throughout the rescue process and operate the same way – only delivering a shock if it is needed.

 

 

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