Proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is important. This can make the difference between life and death in many situations. The fact is that nearly 400,000 heart attacks occur every year outside of the hospital in the US. Around 94 percent result in a fatality. That’s why it’s essential that you learn about the technique as it will allow you to save lives.

Many people get confused when they come across the term artificial external defibrillator (AED) during CPR training. How is AED different from CPR?  Is AED part of CPR or something different? You will know the answers in this article.

CPR vs AED: What’s the Difference?

CPR and AED refer to techniques that are provided to victims of a heart attack. In CPR classes online, students are taught how to perform CPR by pressing the chest of a person. Chest compressions prevent the victim’s body organs from dying. Timely performance of CPR greatly reduces the risk of brain damage.

AED, on the other hand, is a device that complements CPR. The electronic device is used to start a person’s heart that has stopped beating. Also, the device is used in case a person’s heart beat is abnormal.

AEDs are installed in many public places including gyms, malls, schools, and sporting venues. The device is placed to ensure proper assistance is provided to a heart attack victim. Previously the device was hard to use and could only be used by a medical professional. Modern AEDs are easy to use once you get training in a CPR online class.

When is AED Used?

AED is used in situations when no heart beat is detected. The device generates a shock to revive the victim’s heart. Another situation in which AED is used is when a person suffers from ventricular fibrillation (v-fib). The heart of a person who suffers from v-fib does not beat normally and quivers rapidly. A shock generated by AED restores normal functioning of the heart.

Furthermore, AED is also used when a person suffers from ventricular tachycardia (v-tac). The condition is associated with a fast heart beat that lasts for minutes. AED restores normal heart rhythm, thereby preventing a cardiac arrest.

Take Away

AED, when used during CPR, can increase the survival rate of the victim. The American Heart Association has stated that the survival rate of the victims nearly doubles when AED is administered along with CPR. While CPR help maintains blood flow, AED ensures proper heart rhythm. Both of them are important that increase the odds that a person survives a heart attack.

CPR and AED training are important. You will be able to save the life of a heart attack victim by providing timely assistance. Make sure that you learn about the essential life saving techniques as it will increase the chances of saving the life of a person who suffers from a heart attack.