MEDICAL DEVICE

A medical device, such as an automatic external defibrillator (AED), and it comprises a housing with an aperture 6 in the form of a slot. At either side of the opening of the aperture, there are electrical connectors 8 and insertion of the electrode 5 in the aperture 6 forces apart the connectors. The medical device includes a circuit comprising a power source 2, a switching circuit 3 and capacitors 4 that can deliver charge to electrodes 5 when placed on the patient's chest during treatment. When the electrode is inserted in the aperture 6, the connectors 8 are held apart, thereby breaking the circuit. However, when the electrode is removed from the aperture 6, tension in the spring connectors 8 is released the circuit of the medical device is completed and is activated by the flow of charge from the battery 2. When the circuit is completed, the medical device may be ready for activation or alternatively, depending on how the medical device is set up, a self-test mechanism may be activated to check the condition of the medical device and/or electrode(s) 5 prior to use on a patient.