Understanding Defibrillators: How They Work & What to Know

Defibrillators are machines designed to shock the heart when the heart beats abnormally. Normal heart rhythms are restored, in order to prevent cardiac arrest or sudden death. Electrical signals can be sent via paddles or electrode pads.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

• According to the American Heart Association, an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is an implantable device that has wires connecting to your chest. Like a pacemaker, electrical signals are sent to your heart when abnormal heartbeats are detected.

Automated External Defibrillators

• An Automated External Defibrillator uses pads placed on a victim's chest to detect the heart's rhythm. If the rhythm is abnormal, the device contains a button that is pushed to deliver an electrical shock to the heart.

LifeVest

• The LifeVest is a vest worn when sudden cardiac arrest is a possibility. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the vest gauges a patient's heart rhythm, sounds an alarm if the patient becomes unresponsive, and delivers a shock if the patient is unable to stop the the vest's delivered shock.