The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED checks a person’s heart rhythm, recognizes whether a shock is required and administers a shock if needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDS are very accurate and easy to use. With a few minutes of training anyone can learn to operate an AED safely.
The Community AED Act (2000) authorized the expenditure of funds to establish public access defibrillation programs. Communities receiving grants would purchase and place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places where cardiac arrests are likely to occur.
The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (2000) directed the federal government to issue guidelines for the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in federal buildings and extended the “Good Samaritan” protections to those both using and purchasing AEDs. “We think it’s critical for people to get Compression CPR training and learn how to use an AED. If more people are trained and respond, we can save thousands of lives,” said Lance Becker, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and AHA spokesperson.