If you are just beginning to look into purchasing a defibrillator, you may have noticed that many of the devices come as two different options. What are the 2 types of defibrillator and what do they mean?
The majority of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) come as fully automatic or semi automatic. While all defibrillators will deliver a life saving shock in an emergency, opting for a semi automatic or fully automatic device comes down to personal preference.
What does a fully automatic defibrillator do?
All defibrillators will analyse the heart rhythm of someone who has collapsed using electrode pads and determine whether a shock is required. Many models will also provide CPR feedback to responders instructing them to push harder or push faster.
When a shock is advised, a fully automatic defibrillator will announce this, and then instruct anyone around to stop touching the casualty and begin a 3, 2, 1 countdown.
Once the countdown completes, the AED will deliver a shock automatically without anyone touching the unit.Some people prefer a fully automatic AED as it takes the onus off them having to physically push the shock button themselves.
What does a semi automatic defibrillator do?
A semi automatic defibrillator will complete all the same actions as a fully automatic – analysing the casualty’s heart rhythm and deciding whether a shock is required. Where a semi differs from a fully is the shock itself.
Once the device has determined a shock is required, the shock button will begin to flash and instruct you to push the flashing button. It will not deliver the shock until the button is pushed. Some more experienced responders prefer a semi automatic AED as it gives them more control over the rescue.
Which of the 2 types of defibrillator is right for me?
The question of whether fully or semi automatic is right for you can come down to the environment you plan to keep your AED as well as your confidence level.
Broadly speaking, fully and semi automatic defibrillators are around the same price. On Defib Warehouse, we typically see around 50/50 in terms of sales with neither being dramatically more popular than the other.
