AED vs. CPR: Understanding Automated External Defibrillators and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), and is able to deliver an electrical shock to help re-establish an effective rhythm. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) includes artificial respiration in conjunction with chest compressions to assist a patient in cardiac arrest.