Defibrillator

A defibrillator is a device used to generate an electrical current through a human body in the interest of restarting a natural rhythm in the heart or to alter the rhythm in an effort to ensure a physiologically functional rate and strength. The device usually uses two paddles which both administer the charge and can be used to monitor a heart rhythm in some devices.

A newer type, the automatic external defibrillator (AED) is designed to be used by untrained or non-provider people in an emergency. This version of the device, once the pads are placed, monitors the heart rhythm and indicates whether a shock is warranted. The operator can then initiate the shock. The AED is of more limited use than a standard defibrillator, but it allows the administration of needed shocks in the interim between the discovery of the victim and the arrival of trained emergency medical personnel.