AED Glossary of Terms

IP Rating
An IP rating, or Ingress Protection Rating, classifies the degrees of protection against both solids and liquids in electrical enclosures.

CPR Feedback
The CPR Feedback system on an AED gives the user clear guidance during resuscitation in regards to correct chest compression rate and depth.

Paediatric Pads
Almost all AED’s use separate electrode pads for children. These pads are referred to as paediatric pads. The AED recognises the use of the pad and lowers the energy output in order to protect the victim’s heart.

Rescue Ready
The term Rescue Ready means that the AED is able to be used straight out of the box without any setting up or plugging in of electrodes (Pads), batteries.

Biphasic vs Monophasic
Biphasic energy is delivered in two directions, whereas Monophasic energies are delivered in one direction. Almost all AED’s are Biphasic as the technology is proven to be far more effective.

Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
A condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart, making them quiver rather than contract properly. Ventricular fibrillation is the most commonly identified arrhythmia in cardiac arrest patients.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
A type of tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, that starts in the bottom chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. The ventricles are the main pumping chambers of the heart. This is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it may lead to ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and sudden death (SCA).

Metronome
Repeated clicking sounds used for marking rhythm & pace.

Child Key
This device is plugged into an AED that does not need additional paediatric pads. The Child key is used to change the energy output of the AED to child levels.