What is a Defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a life-saving device that delivers a controlled amount of electric current to the heart to stop irregular heartbeats and restore a normal heartbeat. Defibrillation is a procedure used to treat life-threatening heart conditions like sudden cardiac arrest and arrhythmias. These serious heart conditions can cause the lower chambers of the heart to beat unevenly and extremely fast, which prevents adequate blood from going to the brain and body, which can quickly be fatal.

While defibrillation is performed by medical professionals in hospitals but automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are found in many public places that can be used by a layperson to save the lives of people experiencing cardiac arrest. HPFY offers AED machines that are highly reliable and effectively deliver a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to affected heart patients. We also have other defibrillator accessories, including lithium batteries, defibrillator pads, mounting brackets, metal wall cabinets, and many more.

Types of Heart Defibrillators

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs)

What is an AED Machine?

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) is a lightweight, portable, battery-operated, easy to use device designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, send an electrical shock

to the heart to restore normal rhythm. This device is used to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The AED system includes accessories, such as pad electrodes and a battery that is necessary for the device to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electrical shock.

AED defibrillators are simple to operate and can be used by laypersons and basic life support-trained personnel. These machines are widely available in airports, offices, schools, casinos, and other public areas. Philips HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator is designed for simple and reliable operation, and it uses clear natural voice instructions that talk to you through each step.

AED devices can be semi-automated or fully automated:

Semi-automated defibrillators check the heart’s rhythm. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected and a shock is necessary, the device prompts the rescuer to press a button to send a defibrillation shock.

Fully automated defibrillators analyze the heart's rhythm and, if a shock is required, deliver a defibrillation shock without user intervention commanded by the device software.

How does an AED Defibrillator work?

The automated external defibrillator has an in-built computer and uses sticky pads with sensors called “electrodes” to analyze the patient’s heart rhythm.
The adhesive electrodes are attached to the person with a cardiac arrest.
After analyzing, the electrodes send the information to a computer in the AED.
The computer determines whether an electric shock is needed or not.
If defibrillation is needed, the digitally recorded voice prompts the rescuer to press the “shock” button to deliver the shock to the victim.

Advantages of Portable Defibrillators

The AED defibrillator is lightweight, compact, portable, battery-operated, safe, and easy to use.
An AED machine increases the chance of saving the life of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victim by 75%.
AEDs can save precious treatment time. If the SCA victim is not close to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and an AED is accessible, an untrained person can also operate it and provide timely treatment.
An AED offers a fully automated emergency therapy quickly.
The portable defibrillator has an inbuilt communication that instructs rescuers on the life-saving steps to follow and determines if the victim needs shock therapy.
These devices help save lives in public places and at the workplace.

How to use a Home Defibrillator?

Switch on the AED machine and follow the voice prompts.
Remove clothing and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Take out the electrode pads and plug them into the connector, if necessary.
Place the pads on the patient’s chest.
Push the “analyze” button to let the defibrillator start analyzing the patient’s cardiac rhythm.
Make sure no one is close to the patient during defibrillation. Say “clear” in a loud voice so that everyone steps back and clears the area.
After analyzing, the portable defibrillator will prompt you to deliver a shock if it determines the patient is in SCA or any other abnormality found.
Press the “shock” button. Once the shock is delivered, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
Follow the defibrillator’s voice instructions for the frequency and depth of compressions.
Continue listening to the AED device until EMS arrives and takes over the rescue.

Who should get a Home AED?

Anyone may need an AED machine at home because SCA can strike at any time to anyone and even healthy people. However, a home defibrillator is especially valuable for people at risk of cardiac arrest. Having an AED machine can provide peace of mind and help save their lives. The risk factors for cardiac arrest may include:

A history of cardiac arrhythmias
A family history of sudden or inherited disorders that may make you prone to arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia
Diabetes and high blood pressure
Obesity
High cholesterol
Drug or alcohol abuse
A sedentary lifestyle

When a cardiac arrest occurs, every second counts. Every minute delayed, the chances of survival decrease. If your loved ones are at risk of cardiac problems, owning a home defibrillator can provide protection.

Where to buy an AED for Home Use?

Health Products For You offers portable defibrillators and accessories from top manufacturers like Philips Medical Systems, Zoll Medical Corporation, etc. Shop now and prolong the life of your loved ones.