Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): A Technical and Clinical Overview

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable, computerized medical device designed to analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Its primary function is to address Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), specifically when caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). This article provides an objective analysis of AED technology, exploring the fundamental biological principles of cardiac electrophysiology, the mechanical and algorithmic components of the device, the regulatory standards for public access, and the future of emergency resuscitation technology.