From Home to Hospital: A Guide to Different Types of Defibrillators

Defibrillators have become a public health necessity for supporting people who experience SCAs, or sudden cardiac arrests, across Australia. In fact, there are more than 20,000 SCAs that take place out of the hospital every year, cross-country. 

Using the right type of defibrillator effectively could save someone’s life within minutes. But what are the different types of defibrillators, and what are they used for? In this guide, we explore the four main types, and what scenarios you might expect to use them in. 

Types of Defibrillators

 

Defibrillators vary in terms of functionality and usability. The main four available to the public and businesses that install them include: 

• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Manual Defibrillators
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
• Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (WCDs) 

In many cases, you’ll come across the standard AED first – but let’s explore what each of the alternatives do, and why it’s worth keeping their functionality in mind.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Description

AEDs are commonly found in public buildings and spaces across Australia. They have computers built-in that trace heart rhythms and guide users on when to deliver electric shocks to a patient. 

They can detect specific types of cardiac issues, too, such as ventricular fibrillation. They’re some of the easiest to use – you don’t need any formal training to know how to use AEDs.

Common Usage Scenarios

You’d typically use an AED to support SCA patients within minutes of them experiencing a lack of breath or responsiveness. Many of the customers we supply to advise that AEDs have helped them ensure patients are responsive ahead of first responders arriving on the scene. 

AED defibrillators are usually found in spaces such as hotels, public offices, and even schools. It’s safe to use AEDs on children, but you will need to use specific AED pads. 

Manual Defibrillator

Description

Manual defibrillators don’t have computers and instead use rudimentary electric shock paddles. They’re typically used by medical professionals who are trained to time precisely when shocks are required. They don’t pick up heartbeats, but professionals can easily use them to customise how big a shock patients receive.

Common Usage Scenarios

You’ll usually find manual defibrillators are used within medical facilities and hospitals, where professionals can access them and tailor the specific level of shock needed for different patients. They’re also usually attached to ECG or electrocardiogram devices. 

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Description

ICDs are very similar to pacemakers in that they’re surgically installed in patients at high risk of SCAs. Like many AEDs, these devices can scan for irregular heart patterns and will deliver shocks if the wearer suffers what’s assumed to be a cardiac event. They are smart devices that can determine how much of a shock the patient receives. 

Some of the latest versions of ICDs also work as pacemakers, as determined by doctors or surgeons who install the devices into their patients.

Common Usage Scenarios

ICDs are usually ideal for people who have regular heart problems or experience irregular rhythms. It’s much like having an AED inside your person at all times, ready to react when a suspected SCA is in progress.

 This means that certain people are always protected against potential SCA events, meaning there’s no need to worry about finding AEDs at short notice. Some of the nurses we’ve worked with over the years really sing the praises of these devices – stating they help to save many lives. 

Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)

Description

A WCD is much like an ICD, only it’s wearable outside of the body, not under the skin! WCDs pick up on heart irregularities and, like ICDs, deliver specific shocks tailored to the user's heartbeat. 

These automated devices remove the need for AEDs in public, and are easy to set up and remove wherever needed.

Common Usage Scenarios

WCDs are, again, like ICDs, typically reserved for people at high risk from heart disease and cardiac events. They are usually offered as temporary measures – for example, to support people awaiting heart surgery or transplants. 

They can be fantastic support for people with heart problems who want to enjoy exercise without worrying about the effects on their hearts. Interestingly, someone who wears a WCD will survive an SCA nine times out of ten! 

Comparison of Defibrillator Types

Now that you know the main differences between the four types of defibrillators, let’s summarize a few key points briefly. 

	Automated External Defibrillator (AED)	Manual Defibrillator	Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)	Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)
Description	A computer-driven device that guides users	A device that requires timing and precision to deliver shocks	A device surgically installed for people at risk of SCA	A removable device suitable for people at risk of SCA
Key features	Heart monitor, automated shocks, user guide	ECG connectivity, customisable shocks	Automated SCA detection and shocks	Customisable shocks and SCA monitoring, removable hardware
Commonly used for…	Members of the public experiencing SCAs out of hospital	People in hospital or in ambulances receiving professional care	People who are at risk of heart failure and arrhythmia	People who are at risk of heart failure and arrhythmia – who might be awaiting surgery
Training required	No formal training needed	General medical training	As directed by healthcare providers	As directed by healthcare providers
Cost range	$1,500 - $4,000	N/A (provided by hospital)	Procedures could cost $40,000 - $50,000	N/A (provided by hospital)
Average lifespan	Around 10-15 years (units only - batteries last up to seven years, pads between 2-5 years)	No average	Around 1-7 years, depending on the unit fitted	Varies (typically used for up to 90 days max on average)

 

Conclusion

Knowing which defibrillators to use could help you save more lives than you expect! The bottom line is that the best defibrillators for home are AEDs, simply because they require no training and guide users on what to do. 

However, some patients will benefit from WCDs, which are wearable. Whether you’re a medical professional or a public building owner, always think carefully about the needs of those you come into contact with!