Glossary
AED
Automated external defibrillator: a portable device that can shock the heart back into rhythm. It talks you through each step.
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat in someone in cardiac arrest. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (opens in a new tab) says AEDs are found in many public places, that even untrained people can use one in an emergency, and that the unit tells the operator what to do.
In a drowning emergency, an AED is part of the American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) chain of drowning survival: get the person out of the water safely, have someone call 911, begin rescue breathing and CPR, and use an AED if one is available until advanced help takes over.
Things to know:
- Public pools, schools, gyms and community centers often have one. Learn where it hangs before you need it.
- Basic AED use is included in many CPR classes, including the free FDNY (opens in a new tab) class in New York City.
See drowning first aid and where to learn CPR.
What you can do today: next time you visit your pool or gym, find the AED and point it out to your family.