What is an AED defibrillator?

An AED – or automated external defibrillator, to use its full name – is a portable device that is designed to treat cardiac arrest.

AED defibrillators are able to analyse your heart rhythm and deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat¹.

Being an essential piece of lifesaving equipment, you might have thought that AED defibrillators are complex to operate. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth – AEDs such as HeartHero from MyDefib are user-friendly and provide step-by-step instructions for you to follow.

Did you know that 80 per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home²? For this reason, a portable AED helps people to care for a loved one and offers them protection if something goes wrong. It’s important to understand how AEDs function so that you can act confidently should an emergency arise.

This article will help you to understand how AED defibrillators work, discuss whether training is needed, and run you through the features of the device, so that you know what to expect.

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What is an AED defibrillator?

An AED defibrillator is a portable device that is designed to treat cardiac arrest caused by abnormal heart rhythms.

The device is battery-operated, portable and lightweight. It comes with adhesive electrode pads, which are placed on the chest to deliver a shock when necessary; resetting the heart’s electrical activity. In this way, an AED is able to restore a normal heartbeat following the malfunctioning of the heart’s electrical activity during a cardiac arrest².

Portable AED defibrillators are designed to be used by laypersons – i.e., they require no medical training and are user-intuitive. Because the AED device provides clear, calm instructions – both visually and via voice – it is not only simple to operate for adults, but for children, too. Portable AEDs can be used at home, easily carried during outdoor activities, and brought on holiday.
The HeartHero AED ticks all of these boxes. Square-shaped – with approximate dimensions of 6cm x 15.5cm x 4.3cm – it weighs much less than traditional defibrillators. This means it easily fits into glove compartments or bags, and is easily deployed, irrespective of a person’s strength.

How does an automated external defibrillator work?

An AED defibrillator analyses the heart’s rhythm and determines if a shock is needed. If necessary, it instructs the user to deliver a shock to restore normal heart function.

So, how to use an AED defibrillator? AEDs like HeartHero are designed to be easy to use. They offer visual and audio prompts that take users through the process step-by-step.

After the green button is pushed to turn the device on, a red tab is pulled to release the electrode pads. These adhesive pads are then simply placed on the chest, allowing the AED to read the person’s heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is necessary.

When a shock is needed, defibrillators like HeartHero AED warn the user to stand back, issuing clear voice instructions. The shock is then delivered to the person in sudden cardiac arrest.

A key characteristic to note here is that the device will not shock a person if they don’t need it. This means you can rest assured that a portable AED is safe, even if you are not sure that a person is experiencing cardiac arrest. If in doubt – use it.

Features of the HeartHero AED

Aside from being an AED defibrillator that can save a life, HeartHero has many user-centric features that make it simple to own, transport, and use.

The weight of the device – at just 590g – makes it much more manageable and manoeuvrable than traditional defibrillators found in hospitals. This is one of the reasons why the HeartHero AED can be used by adults and children; only a little physical exertion is needed.

Durability and adaptability are two other attributes that extend the accessibility of the device. This portable AED is waterproof and can operate in extreme temperatures; from -30°C to 50°C).

Convenience is also factored in. No charging is needed, as the HeartHero AED takes four standard C batteries. Battery levels can be monitored on the device, and the batteries themselves can be bought at local supermarkets or minimarts.

When you invest in a portable defibrillator, it becomes part of the safety plan to protect the health of yourself or a loved one. Owners can take peace of mind from a six-year warranty, with customer support available throughout.We’ve covered the various features of portable AEDs, but there’s still more to learn. Head over to MyDefib’s About Us page to discover the HeartHero AED

Designed for everyday people

As we’ve discussed, AEDs are essential life-saving devices that are accessible and easy to use. The HeartHero AED from MyDefib exemplifies how modern defibrillators are designed for everyday people.

By understanding and having access to AEDs, individuals can make a critical difference in emergency situations. Learn more about HeartHero – visit our Product page or call our friendly team today on 01252 985717

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