In the process of defibrillation an electric shock is sent to the heart to help reestablish its normal rhythm. This is accomplished with the use of a machine called a heart defibrillator. It is a safety device that will be useful to patients suffering from arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. These machines are common instruments in the hospital. In recent years it has been a popular fixture in homes and public buildings. They are called automated external defibrillators or AEDs because they are portable.

AEDs continue to be improved by manufacturers making it user friendly. New model machines can be operated by untrained people in times of emergency by following voice instructions. They are also color coded and are provided with clear written instructions for easy operation. Patients in constant risk of having a cardiac arrest may also be implanted with a pager sized implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. It works by detecting and stopping dangerous, abnormal heartbeats.