Final answer:
Automated external defibrillators (AED) are life-saving devices found in public areas and on ambulances, which automatically diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias. They provide verbal instructions, making them user-friendly for the lay public, and are especially effective when preceded by CPR.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automated external defibrillators (AED) are portable life-saving devices commonly found in public places and carried on ambulances. An AED is designed to provide verbal instructions for immediate use during the critical first minutes after a person suffers a cardiac attack. These devices automatically diagnose the heart's rhythm — specifically looking for cardiac or ventricular fibrillation — and deliver an electric shock with the appropriate energy and waveform. This process can stop the arrhythmia, allowing the heart's natural pacemaker to resume a normal rhythm. It is also recommended to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before using an AED whenever possible.
Because of their effectiveness, AEDs have become ubiquitous, ensuring public safety and the prompt treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. The deployment of AEDs has been critical in improving the survival rates from cardiac emergencies in non-hospital settings. The easy-to-follow instructions mean that even lay persons can operate these devices effectively in an emergency situation.