defibrillator

Everyday

A machine that gives an electric shock to the chest to make a heart that has stopped beating properly start a normal rhythm again. tree →

In the lessons

In first-aid and safety lessons children learn that public defibrillators (often in a green or yellow box on a wall) can save life when someone collapses with their heart stopped. They talk out loud and tell you exactly what to do, so anyone can use one; you also call 999, 911, 000 or 111 (NZ) and do CPR. Phrases: «public access defibrillator», «AED» (automated external defibrillator).

Examples

• There is a defibrillator outside the leisure centre. tree →
• The defibrillator talks and tells you what to do. tree →
• Call an ambulance and send someone to get the defibrillator. tree →
• Doctors use a defibrillator to restart a heart's rhythm. tree →
• Our school has a defibrillator in the office. tree →
• You must not touch the person while the defibrillator gives a shock. tree →

Note

Long word: de-FIB-ril-ay-tor. Countable. Also called an AED. Myth from films: it does not restart a heart that is completely flat; it fixes a chaotic rhythm — but you still use it if told to.