What Are AED'S? The American Heart Association has determined that 250,000 people die each year from cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most common arrhythmia that causes cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is the only known treatment for VF. It is also the only known treatment for VF caused by commotio cordis. Due to the introduction of a new generation of defibrillators, called automated external defibrillators (AED's), it is possible for lay rescuers to deliver defibrillation. The new AED's are safe, effective, lightweight, low maintenance, easy to use and relatively inexpensive (about $2000). Contact your local American Heart Association to establish a Public Access Defibrillation Program in your community NOW! Commotio cordis will claim more young lives unless we, as parents and educators, do something about it. How Do AED's Work? A microprocessor inside the defibrillator interprets (analyzes) the victim's heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes (some AED models require you to press an ANALYZE button). The computer analyzes the heart rhythm and advises the operator whether a shock is needed. AEDs advise a shock only to ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia. The electric current is delivered through the victim's chest wall through adhesive electrode pads.