AED vs Defibrillator – Difference and Comparison

What is AED? 

AED is a convenient electronic component used mostly for heart rhythm monitoring,  diagnosis, and cardiac arrhythmia. It is an acronym that stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is indeed a form of a defibrillator, however, it is one of the most recent varieties of defibrillators.

Despite the fact that it is portable, it also performs defibrillation. It is more effective than a standard defibrillator. Rather, it was designed for ease of use. And, of obviously, it is simple to use for everyone.

It functions similarly to a traditional defibrillator. The gadget works on the idea of administering an aberrant heartbeat by giving an electrical shock that stops the irregular heart rhythm. Stops soon return the beat to an efficient and healthy rhythm.

AEDs may be operated by anybody, regardless of medical background, with only a little instruction. Basic defibrillation training, such as that taught in BLS seminars, first-aid programs, and first responder schools would provide practical knowledge.

However, as compared to standard defibrillators, an AED requires a shorter amount of teaching. One of the benefits of AED would be its ease of use and automation. Besides, it assesses the necessity for defibrillation by itself, giving the advantage in survival.

What is Defibrillator? 

A defibrillator is an electrical machine used to shock cardiac patients. Specifically for patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Typically seen in medical facilities and emergency rooms.

These are employed in hospitals, albeit it depending on the patient’s condition. Many different types of defibrillators have been created over time. The ICD, manual defibrillators, wearable cardiac defibrillators, semi-automated defibrillators, and AEDs are a few examples.

All are utilized in accordance with the needs of the patient. Defibrillators improved over time, becoming more modern as well as efficient than traditional defibrillators. Other defibrillators are more difficult to operate than AEDs. Because most usage is done by hand.

Even when a person wants to learn how to use a defibrillator, it will take a lot of practice. And if that individual has no medical experience, it would be a lot more difficult. Yet, certain training programs may provide instruction on how to use specific types of defibrillators.

Besides that, there are numerous subtypes of defibrillators that are utilized according to their distinct purposes. Defibrillators can also be manual or automated, portable or non-portable, depending on the kind.

Conventional defibrillators are more difficult to use and either manual or semi-automatic. Furthermore, unlike certain types of defibrillators, this could not determine the requirement for defibrillation.

Difference Between AED and Defibrillator

  1. The AED seems to be the most recent form of defibrillator. Meantime, the defibrillator ranges from modern to older models.
  2. An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator, a kind of defibrillator. A Defibrillator, While, is a collection of many kinds of defibrillators.
  3. An AED is a useful device, however a defibrillator is indeed not.
  4. AEDs are easy to use and operate in a straightforward manner. While , a defibrillator has several technological components.
  5. AEDs are fully automatic, but defibrillators can be fully automatic, semi-automatic, or manually operated.
  6. While certain kinds of defibrillators cannot determine the necessity for defibrillation, AEDs can.

Comparison Between AED and Defibrillator 

Parameters of comparisonAEDDefibrillator
PortableAEDs are a helpful gadget.A defibrillator is not really portable.
AutomaticAED is fully automated.A defibrillator can be manually operated, fully automated, or semi-automatic.
New/OldThe AED is the most recent form of a defibrillator.The defibrillator ranges from modern to older models.
Short and simple to useAEDs are easy to use and operate in a straightforward manner.A defibrillator contains several technological components.
Assessment AEDs can determine whether or not defibrillation is required.Some defibrillators are not capable of doing so.

References

  1. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-104-4-481
  2. https://www.saginawtuscolamca.org/s/7-8-Electrical-Therapy-STATE-fbrn.pdf