Defibrillator

A defibrillator is a medical device used to treat cardiac fibrillation, a chaotic and erratic contraction of the heart muscle. Fibrillation leads to cardiac arrest.

A defibrillator sends an electrical shock through the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm. This shock is called defibrillation. The defibrillator uses automated heart rhythm analysis to determine when a shock is needed.

There are two main types of defibrillators:

1. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is used to provide emergency care. It analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock automatically if necessary. AEDs are often located in public places for emergency use.