What is AED?

Sudden cardiac death is often caused by a severe arrhythmias called ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a symptom in which the heart muscle trembles irregularly and fall into a condition in which it cannot serve as a pump that pumps blood throughout the body. These symptoms can result in an extremely dangerous situation that leads to rapid death. The only treatment is defibrillation caused by electric shock. Defibrillation refers to the removal of ventricular fibrillation. If the time between the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation is delayed by 1 minute, the likelihood of rehabilitation is reduced by 7 to 10%.

Therefore, the automatic external defibrillator, commonly known as AED, was developed to perform defibrillation as soon as possible.

AED is a medical device that uses a computer, which automatically analyzes the electrocardiogram of the victim and determines the waveform of the electrocardiogram when an electric shock is required. In addition, voice instructions are given to rescuers only when an electric shock is required, and in other cases, safety is ensured so that electric shock is not performed. With the advent of AEDs, non-medical professionals such as doctors, can now perform defibrillation safely.

The AED consists of the main body and the electrode pad. The size is about A4 size and weighs 1.5 to 3kg, which is easy to carry. As a result of the AED analyzing the electrocardiogram, when ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia are detected, the lamp on the main unit flashes and voice instructions are given to the rescuer. The rescuer will follow the AED's voice advice to press the electric shock button or perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary. The following table briefly shows the structure and usage procedures using actual AED photos.

Facilities where many people gather are required to provide emergency equipment such as AEDs. (From April 1, 2009) In Yokohama City, we will endeavor to maintain emergency equipment such as AEDs in buildings of a certain size or more, sports facilities, station buildings, etc. This is to ensure that first aid can be provided promptly in the event of an injury occurs at these facilities.
Notice of mandatory AED installation (PDF: 138KB)

Japan Emergency Medical Foundation website

１．Prepare AED

２．Turn on the power

３．Open the pad

４．Paste the pad

５．Connector connector

６．Press the power button if there is a defibrillation message.

Includes automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) approved by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Authority as of October 2004

AEDs can be used regardless of the age of the victim. If there is a pediatric pad, it can be used only by pre-school children. The position where the pad is applied should be as shown in the illustration drawn on the pad. Other procedures are the same as how to use AEDs for adults. If there is a pediatric mode, it can be used only for pre-school children, just like pediatric pads. In this case, an adult pad is used, but it is larger than the pediatric pad, so be careful not to touch the pads.
Exhibits: “Revised 5th Edition Guidelines for Emergency Resuscitation 2015 (for citizens, commentary)”