How Did an AED Save Christian Eriksen's Life? | Wellbeing

The player successfully received Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and his heart rhythm was restored right there on the field. Dr. Sam Mohiddin, who treated a similar high-profile case involving Fabrice Muamba in 2012, assessed that this immediate intervention was the decisive element that saved Eriksen's life. The machine doctors used to support Eriksen's heart is known as an Automated External Defibrillator, or AED. This device functions by delivering a powerful electric current to the heart, designed to recalibrate a heart rate that is irregular, dangerously slow, or excessively fast.

Furthermore, the AED is used to restart the heart in cases where the patient's heart has completely stopped beating. Once cardiac arrest occurs, emergency responders have a critical window of approximately 10 minutes to restart the heart if they hope to save the patient's life. Dr. Mohiddin noted, "If he didn't get out of cardiac arrest, it would have been over. The moment the heart stops is the most critical. Those nearby must quickly recognize what has happened and address it immediately with CPR and the use of a defibrillator."

In emergency situations occurring outside of a hospital setting, the AED is the standard tool for intervention. The device is designed to be highly portable, compact like a small briefcase, and remarkably easy to use. Electrode pads are attached to the patient's chest to measure the heart rhythm. The device's internal computer then analyzes this rhythm; if it detects a life-threatening abnormality, it will issue an audible alert.

At this point, the rescuer simply needs to press a button on the machine, and electricity is transmitted through the two electrodes to shock the patient's heart. Thanks to this intuitive design, even those without formal medical training can operate the device in an emergency. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), AEDs can be used on adults and children aged one year and older. Depending on the purpose, electrode pads can be designed in smaller sizes to be more compatible with pediatric patients.

Because this device is vital for emergencies yet simple to operate, AEDs are commonly equipped in high-traffic public areas such as shopping malls, sports gyms, airports, and schools. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease should also consider equipping their homes with an AED. The cost of these devices typically exceeds 1,000 USD, depending on the manufacturer.