What is the full form of AED

AED: Automated External Defibrillator

AED stands for automated external defibrillator. Automated external defibrillators are specially designed electronic devices that are used for life-saving purposes. They are lightweight, life-saving medical equipment mainly used to treat the person who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart stops beating abruptly and unexpectedly.

When applied during the first few minutes of a victim's collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and early defibrillation are helpful in saving lives.

Automated external defibrillators are simple portable devices. The main purpose is to treat those people who are suffering from sudden heart attacks as these medical conditions are getting common in people. To help people in such conditions, AEDs have been essential. Although AED is a very convenient device, it is a little costly. In addition, before using this equipment, one must first consult with doctors.

The system used in automated external defibrillators includes many types of accessories, like a battery and pad electrodes. Such accessories typically aid AED in detecting and interpreting an electrocardiogram and administering an electrical shock required for temporary treatment in case of sudden heart attacks.

Types of AEDs

There are mainly two types of automated external defibrillators. The first is called public access AED and the second one is professional use AED. Let us discuss each in brief:

• Public access AEDs: AEDs with public access are available in public places. They can be easily found in areas like hospitals, community centers, schools, and airports. They are designed to be utilized by laypeople with little training.
• Professional use AEDs: AEDs categorized in this category are typically utilized by first responders, who often receive AED training. Simply put, they are used by professionals in the medical field. Examples of these professionals are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.

Apart from this, AEDs also come in two variants, depending on their function. Among them, one is semi-automated, and the second version is fully automated. One can choose any variant as per the stipulated budget and usage.

Now, we see the functionality of semi-automated and fully automated:

• Semi-automated: Semi-automated defibrillators examine the heart's rhythm. If an unusual heart rate is noticed that requires a shock, the device urges the user to defibrillation shock delivery by pressing a button.
• Fully-automated: Fully automated defibrillators examine the heart's rhythm and, if instructed by the device software, provide a defibrillation shock automatically without the need for manual interaction by the user.

Examining AEDs and their Accessories: Has the FDA approved them?

In February 2015, the FDA issued a final rule mandating premarket approval (PMA) applications for all AEDs, both new and old, as well as for any required AED accessories.

The premarket approval application filing deadline for AEDs, including the necessary AED accessories like batteries, pad electrodes, adapters, and hardware keys for pediatric use, was made mandatory after the final order's (notification) date. Additionally, the FDA sent legal letters to those manufacturers who did not complete the PMA for their AEDs. They were also informed not to advertise their AEDs. Since then, the FDA has been following this process consistently.

Over time, the FDA has revised its compliance guidelines on the process of PMAs for AEDs and their essential accessories. The updated compliance policy helps medical facilities, healthcare departments, and manufacturers to remain focused on public health needs by ensuring the quality and reliability of AEDs. There are now AEDs that have received FDA approval. Still, it is advised to check to see if yours is one of them. If it isn't, it is recommended to start making arrangements to switch to an FDA-approved AED.

If you or your company has an AED system, the FDA recommends the following things:

• It is suggested to confirm whether your AED is FDA-approved or not. If you are unsure whether your AED has FDA approval, get in touch with the respective manufacturer.
• If your AED is not FDA-approved and you haven't gotten a letter about it, get in touch with the manufacturer.
• If you're considering buying a new AED, it's best to locate an authorized retailer and verify the Unique Device Identifier (UDI) written on the AED from the GUDID, which lists medical devices legally sold.

Be aware that after February 3, 2022, if your AED is not FDA-approved, AED accessories available on the market after February 3, 2022, may not be working with your AED. For details regarding your particular product, get in touch with the maker of your AED or AED accessories.