AED (automatic external defibrillators) algorithms. the "shocking" truth
Weigel, A.; White, R.D.
Jems a Journal of Emergency Medical Services 19(7): 53-57
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0197-2510 PMID: 10135484 Document Number: 439144
Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) have proven to be successful tools against sudden cardiac death since the 1970s. They operate on a simple premise--using a device with a built-in algorithm in a computer chip to "read" a persons's electrocardiogram (ECG) and, if necessary, advise or deliver a shock to bring the person back to a normal rhythm. When first introduced, these devices used various methods of collecting ECG's and detecting ventricular fibrillation (v fib) and ventricular tachycardia (v tach), two treatable dysrhythmias.