automatic external defibrillator

also known as an AED, this is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation (the application of electrical therapy) which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. Below is an example of a sign that alerts to the presence of an AED device; it is good practice to have one in the Production Office or Medical Compound.