What is the difference between a defibrillator and an AED?

What is the difference between a defibrillator and an AED?
Article tag:AED,Medical model

There are obvious differences between defibrillators and AEDs in many aspects, mainly in their definitions, user groups, operation methods and application scenarios.

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First of all, by definition, a defibrillator is an indispensable emergency equipment in various departments of the hospital. It uses a strong pulse current to pass through the heart to eliminate arrhythmia and restore the heart to sinus rhythm. The AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable medical device mainly used to diagnose specific arrhythmias and automatically deliver electric shock defibrillation.

 

Secondly, in terms of users, defibrillators must be operated by trained professional medical staff due to their more complex configuration and functions. The design of AED pays more attention to portability and ease of use. It can be used not only by medical staff, but also by qualified personnel who have received relevant first aid training and even ordinary people under the guidance of professionals.

 

Thirdly, from the perspective of operation method, the use of defibrillator requires the doctor to decide whether electric shock defibrillation is needed based on the electrocardiogram. The AED has built-in analysis software that can automatically analyze the patient's heart rhythm and give prompts as to whether an electric shock is needed. The user only needs to follow the voice instructions to turn on the power and press the discharge button to complete the defibrillation operation.

 

Finally, in terms of application scenarios, defibrillators are mainly used within hospitals, such as departments, emergency rooms, ICUs, etc. where there are many critically ill patients. AED is more suitable for public places, such as schools, communities, sports venues, etc., so that first aid can be provided quickly in emergencies.

 

In general, although defibrillators and AEDs are both emergency equipment for cardiac arrest patients, there are significant differences in their definitions, user groups, operating methods, and application scenarios. These two devices each have their own unique advantages and applicable scenarios, and together they provide important technical support for the treatment of cardiac arrest patients.