Automated external defibrillators are powerful electronic devices that restore normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs provide bystanders with easy-to-follow audio and visual instructions, so an untrained bystander can quickly provide assistance to an individual suffering from cardiac arrest.
Knowing how to use an AED and how to perform CPR can improve the chances of a victim’s survival and provide first aid until medical professionals arrive. CPR and AED training courses are a great way to master these skills.
How to Use an AED
Automated external defibrillators are powerful electronic devices that restore normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs provide bystanders with easy-to-follow audio and visual instructions, so an untrained bystander can quickly provide assistance to an individual suffering from cardiac arrest.
Knowing how to use an AED and how to perform CPR can improve the chances of a victim’s survival and provide first aid until medical professionals arrive. CPR and AED training courses are a great way to master these skills.
How to use an AED
Step 1. Check for responsiveness and call 911.
Step 2. Start chest compressions.
Step 3. Locate AED and prep victim.
Step 4. Apply AED pads.
Step 5. Connect AED pads to device.
Step 6. Clear the area around the victim.
Step 7. Shock if necessary.
Step 8. Continue following AED instructions.
Disclaimer: This information should not replace your AED owner’s manual. Refer to the Product Manuals document to find your make and model for the full detailed steps for your specific device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an AED used to treat?
A. An AED is used to treat cardiac emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest. To know if an AED is needed, check if the potential victim shows signs of circulation. Are they breathing? Is there a heartbeat? Do they have a pulse? If the answer is no, then an AED can be used to analyze the abnormal or non-existent heartbeat and shock it back into rhythm.
Q. Who is eligible to use an AED?
A. Anyone is eligible to use an AED. They were designed for bystanders who have no training. However, we do recommend learning the steps on “How to Use an AED” and taking CPR/AED training courses to help give confidence and speed to potential rescuers. You never know when or where you will be when an emergency arises!
Q. How do I attach AED pads?
A. To attach AED pads, you must first be sure the victim’s chest is bare. To prevent any obstacles from interfering with the pad’s electric shocks, you may have to remove clothing, jewelry, and shave the chest to remove hair. Simply peel the back of the pads and place the adhesive side on the victim’s chest. Typically, one pad is placed vertically on the victim’s right-hand side just below the collar bone, while the other pad is placed horizontally on the left side of the chest below the breast.
Q. Can I use AED pads on a child or infant victim?
A. There are special AED pads for children and infants. If your AED comes with a set of pediatric pads, peel and stick those pads on a child/infant victim instead of the adult-sized pads. Follow the instructions on the pediatric pads for placement. To find out what types of pediatric pads are available, visit AED Pads: A Complete Guide. Learn more about AED use on infants and children.
Q. What do you do if the victim is in the middle of a crowd?
A. If a crowd is beginning to form around a victim, be sure no one is near or touching the victim’s body if a shock is needed. Ask everyone to take a step back to avoid potential injury from the device.
Q. How do I shock the victim?
A. You will only have to shock the victim if you are using a semi-automatic AED. You can tell if your device is semi-automatic with a push-to-shock button. The AED’s visual or voice prompts will direct you and let you know when a shock is needed. In this case, clear the victim’s surroundings and keep your hands off the patient before clicking the shock button.
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