The difference between Fully Automatic & Semi Automatic Defibrillators

When coming to choose your Defibrillator (AED), you may not be sure whether to go with a Semi Automatic Defibrillator or a Fully Automatic Defibrillator. You may be wondering the difference between Fully Automatic and Semi Automatic Defibrillators.

While both options will perform the same function by analysing the casualty’s heart rhythm and delivering a shock if required, the differences come down to user preference based on confidence, control or simplicity.

What is a Semi-Automatic defibrillator?

A Semi-Automatic defibrillator will begin by analysing the patient’s heart rhythm and will determine whether a shock is required.

A Fully Automatic AED will instruct you to stand clear of the patient and after a 3, 2, 1 countdown will automatically deliver the shock.

A Semi Automatic AED will instruct you to stand clear of the patient and press the shock button (most shock buttons will flash to make the button obvious)

Both Fully Automatic and Semi Automatic AEDs are simple and safe to use with verbal prompts that carefully guide you through the rescue process.

Once you turn on your AED typically by pressing the on/of button or opening the lid of the device it will verbally guide you through the rescue process until you have successfully attached the electrode pads to the casualty (some AEDs also have video instruction or visual graphics and icons to show you what to do).

Once the pads are firmly attached to your casualty the AED will instruct you not to touch the casualty.  This is so it can analyse the electrical activity within the heart and decide if a shock is required or not.

If the AED advises that a shock is required just stand clear and the Fully Automatic AED will deliver the shock or if using a Semi Automatic device just press the shock button.

Don’t worry – if the casualty does not require a shock the AED will not shock.

So is Fully Automatic better than Semi Automatic? Not necessarily and this is a matter of personal opinion but a Semi Automatic defibrillator does not need to give a 3,2,1 countdown and can typically give a shock 3 seconds faster than a Fully Automatic AED (this is assuming same brand and model of AED).