A device and method for defrosting a defibrillation electrode (505) are provided. This includes an automated external defibrillator that is capable of defrosting one or more frozen electrodes (505). The device is includes a portable housing containing a battery powered energy source (502) and a controller (503) as well as at least a pair of electrodes (505) which are operably coupled to the housing. The electrodes (505) are designed for attachment to the chest of a patient in need of resuscitation and contain a conductive interface medium that has temperature dependent properties. A controller (503) is configured to selectively heat the conductive interface medium by applying limited electrical impulses and raise the electrode (505) temperature to a desired temperature range.
