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In the world of AEDs, there are two types: the semi-automatic and the fully automatic. Are you thinking about buying an Automated External Defibrillator and are you unsure which type you need? Below you can read the main differences to help you make your choice.
During cardiac arrest, the heart chambers quiver chaotically. An AED can then give the heart an electrical shock to stimulate a normal heart rhythm. Whether you connect a semi-automatic or fully automatic device, the AED always assesses first whether the heart needs an electrical shock.
The difference lies solely in the administration of the shock:
Semi-automatic AED: The AED indicates that a shock is needed, but as a rescuer, you must press the shock button yourself before the shock is delivered.
Fully automatic AED: The AED delivers the shock completely independently after a warning ("Do not touch the victim").
In common parlance, people often speak of a ‘cardiac arrest’. Officially, it is referred to as circulatory arrest, because the heart is still (chaotically) beating but is no longer pumping blood.
As a first responder, you maintain control with a semi-automatic device. You can perform a final check to ensure no one is touching the victim and then administer the shock. Because this type of AED requires more coordination, we often recommend semi-automatic devices to professional first responders or trained emergency responders.
People sometimes hesitate to press the shock button. This hesitation causes delays, while every second counts in cardiac arrest. A fully automatic defibrillator removes this threshold and is therefore very suitable for public places with many untrained people.
A semi-automatic AED is simply another name for a half-automatic AED. The terms are used interchangeably. In both cases, you must press the shock button yourself after the AED has detected a shockable rhythm.
Do you want to know which AED best suits your wishes and situation? Then fill in our free AED Selector. With it, you will receive practical product advice within 2 minutes.
Would you prefer to speak to one of our employees? Our Customer Service is happy to help you with no-obligation advice.
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