aed - automated external defibrillator guide- medical quick reference guide by permacharts permacharts this 2-page laminated guide is the ultimate reference for the use and applications of an automated external defibrillator! this guide describes the purpose, function, and application of the automated external defibrillator (aed), used where a person has suffered a cardiac arrest. the chain of survival is emphasized, and the relationship between the application of an aed to other life-saving techniques such as cpr are outlined.