Sudden cardiac arrest is not a malfunction. The heart begins to work in a fast, uncoordinated way that prevents pumping blood to the brain and other organs. Normal resuscitation (artificial respiration and external cardiac massage) is not enough to restore normal heart function. It is necessary to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED), i.e. a device that, after connecting the electrodes to the injured person's chest, analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, triggers an electrical pulse. An impulse flowing through the heart muscle restores its proper functioning.

A defibrillator is located in each ambulance along with a qualified Medical Rescue team. Unfortunately, the time to reach professional help to the victim is usually too long (traffic jams) is often too long in a situation where the chances of survival fall every minute. AED availability should be increased. They should be equipped with fire brigades, police and municipal guards, but also put them in public places, enterprises, training facilities, where they can be used by trained persons.

Until recently, only physicians were authorized to perform defibrillation. Currently, courses are being organized, during which the participant gets acquainted with the theory regarding the construction, application and use of AED. Each course participant has the opportunity to ask questions and receive comprehensive answers to issues that bother him. One of the stages of the training is demonstration by the instructor of the use of equipment on the phantom. The key to the workshop's success is the student's independent work and the most accurate simulation of the event so as to convey all the emotions that accompany the stressful situation. Each person touches the equipment, defibrillates himself several times. The instructor's task is to observe, help if necessary, and to correct errors. A few simulation exercises will give the rescuer confidence in action, which will increase the chances of saving the injured several times. The most important elements of the training are repeated several times until the desired effect is achieved, which is to create the automatism of the participants and eliminate stress.

Manufacturers' response to the assumption that the use of a defibrillator is to become common is the sale of simple and legible devices, where voice and screen messages are transmitted in Polish. Audio instruction leads the rescuer in action. Some models start immediately after opening the cover, in others you have to press the "on" button. Very fast AED readiness time is also extremely important. It should be less than 12 seconds. The devices have the option of stationary and mobile use, they automatically analyze the patient's condition. They have a durable, shockproof construction and a sealed housing.

Human life is the highest value and everything must be done to protect it! By extending our own knowledge and taking advantage of the availability of first aid courses using AED, we can save human existence. Let's remember, each of us has only one life!