Editing Defibrillation (section)

=== Automated external defibrillators ===
{{main|Automated external defibrillator}}

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed for use by untrained or briefly trained laypersons.<ref name="PowellJ" /><ref name="ThePublicAccessTrial" /><ref name="Yeung" /> AEDs contain technology for analysis of heart rhythms. As a result, it does not require a trained health provider to determine whether or not a rhythm is shockable. By making these units publicly available, AEDs have improved outcomes for sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.<ref name="PowellJ" /><ref name="ThePublicAccessTrial" />

Trained health professionals have more limited use for AEDs than manual external defibrillators.<ref name="ChanPS" /> Recent studies show that AEDs does not improve outcome in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrests.<ref name="ChanPS" /><ref name="PerkinsGD" /> AEDs have set voltages and does not allow the operator to vary voltage according to need. AEDs may also delay delivery of effective CPR. For diagnosis of rhythm, AEDs often require the stopping of chest compressions and rescue breathing. For these reasons, certain bodies, such as the European Resuscitation Council, recommend using manual external defibrillators over AEDs if manual external defibrillators are readily available.<ref name="PerkinsGD" />

As early defibrillation can significantly improve VF outcomes, AEDs have become publicly available in many easily accessible areas.<ref name="ChanPS" /><ref name="PerkinsGD" /> AEDs have been incorporated into the algorithm for [[basic life support]] (BLS). Many [[certified first responder|first responders]], such as firefighters, police officers, and security guards, are equipped with them.

AEDs can be fully automatic or semi-automatic.<ref name="Physio-Control" /> A semi-automatic AED automatically diagnoses heart rhythms and determines if a shock is necessary. If a shock is advised, the user must then push a button to administer the shock. A fully automated AED automatically diagnoses the heart rhythm and advises the user to stand back while the shock is automatically given. Some types of AEDs come with advanced features, such as a manual override or an [[ECG]] display.