An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest and, if needed, delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal rhythm. It’s designed to be user-friendly for laypeople, with built-in prompts and voice/visual guidance. AEDs are commonly found in public places like schools, airports, sports facilities, and workplaces, and they work best when used as soon as possible, ideally within minutes of collapse, often in combination with CPR. Key points to know:

• Purpose: To treat sudden cardiac arrest by correcting life-threatening heart rhythms (typically ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) when defibrillation is appropriate.
• How it works: The device checks the heart rhythm, instructs the user on whether a shock is needed, and guides through the defibrillation process.
• Accessibility: Public access defibrillator programs place AEDs in easily reachable locations; many devices are designed for quick, intuitive use by non-medical bystanders.
• Training: Basic training in CPR and AED use is recommended and can increase confidence and effectiveness, though many AEDs provide step-by-step guidance that enables untrained bystanders to respond.

If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation for a specific audience (e.g., students, workplace safety officers) or provide a quick, step-by-step overview of how to use an AED in an emergency.