Early defibrillation and good quality chest compressions are the only determinants of long-term survival from cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Selected areas typical for higher incidence of cardiac arrest or longer response time of emergency services have been equipped with automated external defibrillators (AED).
The AED locations were formerly signed with the icons in different colours and shapes. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recently recommended using a new universal AED sign worldwide.
The aim of the recommendation is to increase recognition of devices which are to be used immediately in case of cardiac arrest.