A public access defibrillator

A publically available external defibrillator (10) includes a detector (22) used to detect a life threatening condition of a patient, a controller (20) operating the defibrillator automatically and a therapy delivery circuit (24) that delivers appropriate therapy. The defibrillator (10) is attached to a patient (1) by any attendant or bystander and once it is attached, the defibrillator (10) is adapted to monitor the patient (1) and when a life threatening condition is detected, to apply therapy automatically, i.e., without any involvement by the patient (1) or the attendant.