Fully automated external defibrillators (AEDs) deliver a high-voltage electrical impulse to the heart in order to restore normal rhythm and contractile function in patients who are experiencing ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) that is not accompanied by a palpable pulse. AEDs are designed for use primarily by first responders to cardiac emergencies, who may not be fully trained in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). In the prehospital setting, these emergency personnel can include EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. Flight attendants, security guards, and others −sometimes called targeted responders may be expected to use PAD units. AEDs differ from conventional manual defibrillators in that AEDs can analyse the ECG rhythm to determine whether defibrillation is necessary; this eliminates the need for the user to interpret the cardiac rhythm before delivering a shock. AEDs can also be used in areas of the hospital where advanced life support personnel are not readily available.
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