3 AED Use
Learn when and how to use an AED, apply its pads safely, and coordinate its prompts with CPR.
When and why to use an AED
An AED checks a person’s heart rhythm and gives a shock if it detects a rhythm that may respond to defibrillation. AEDs provide voice or visual prompts, so follow the instructions for the specific device. An AED does not replace : use both as soon as possible when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally or is only gasping.
Respond and prepare the AED
First check that the scene is safe. Tap and shout to check whether the person responds. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 or direct someone else to call, and send someone for an AED. Begin while the AED is being retrieved.
Turn on the AED as soon as it arrives and follow its prompts. Expose the chest and dry it if needed. Continue while another rescuer prepares the AED, stopping only when the AED prompts you to pause.
Apply pads and follow AED prompts
Apply the pads to bare skin according to the diagrams on the pads. For usual adult placement, put one pad on the upper-right chest below the collarbone and the other on the lower-left side of the chest below the armpit. Press each pad firmly so it adheres, and connect the cable if the device requires it.
When the AED prompts you to let it analyze, stop and make sure nobody is touching the person. Say “Clear,” look around, and confirm the person is untouched.
If a shock is advised, confirm everyone is clear. With a , press the shock button; a may deliver the shock itself after its warning. Do not touch the person during shock delivery.
Resume immediately after a shock, or immediately if no shock is advised. Follow the AED’s prompts and continue until the person shows signs of life, emergency personnel take over, or the scene becomes unsafe.
Pad placement and safety
Pads must stick directly to the skin and should not touch each other. If the person’s chest is small enough that the pads might overlap, place one in the center of the chest and the other on the back, following the pad diagrams.
For infants and children, use or an energy-reducing setting if available, and follow the AED’s instructions. If pediatric equipment is unavailable, use adult pads rather than delaying defibrillation; position the pads so they do not touch.
A wet chest can interfere with pad contact and increase risk to rescuers. Move the person out of standing water when possible and quickly dry the areas where the pads will go. Keep everyone clear during analysis and shock delivery because accidental contact can expose a rescuer to the shock.
If a medication patch lies where a pad must go, remove it if practical and wipe the skin before applying the pad. If the person has a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, avoid placing a pad directly over the raised device, but do not delay pad application or AED use.
Coordinate AED use with
When more than one rescuer is present, one person can perform compressions while another calls for help and prepares the AED. Keep interruptions in compressions as brief as possible: pause only for and shock delivery, then restart promptly.
If alone, call 911 on speakerphone if possible, begin , and use an AED as soon as it is available. A “no shock advised” message does not mean should stop; continue and follow the AED’s next instructions.