AED Guidelines
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to help restore a normal heart rhythm in a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. When used quickly—ideally within the first few minutes— an AED can greatly improve the chance of survival.
An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed. A shock is delivered only if the heart is in a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation (v-fib). AEDs are designed to be safe, accurate, and easy to use.
AEDs are commonly found in public places such as airports, malls, gyms, and stadiums. Because time is critical during cardiac arrest, it is important for the public to understand the basic steps for AED use.
Do NOT use an AED on:
• Trauma patients
• Infants under 1 year of age
• Anyone who has a pulse
Call 911 immediately.
If you see someone collapse, call 911 right away or direct a specific bystander to do so.
Clear communication helps ensure emergency services are contacted without delay.
Check the person for breathing and a pulse. If the person is not breathing normally and has no pulse, begin CPR. If an AED is available, send someone to retrieve it while CPR continues.
Apply the AED.
Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts. Bare the chest and attach the adhesive pads as shown
on the pad diagrams. Pads are typically placed:
on the upper right chest and on the left side of the chest below the armpit.
Do NOT stop CPR while applying the AED pads. CPR should only pause when the AED is actively analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering a shock.
Analyze and shock if advised.
When instructed, stop CPR and make sure no one is touching the person.
Clearly say “Clear!” The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you whether a shock is needed.
If a shock is advised, ensure everyone is clear and deliver the shock as instructed. Immediately resume CPR for about 2 minutes (5 cycles) before the AED reanalyzes.
If the AED indicates “no shock advised,” continue CPR and follow AED prompts. If the person regains a pulse, monitor breathing and provide rescue breathing if needed.
Do not remove the AED pads during CPR. Leave them in place unless instructed otherwise.
AEDs may differ in appearance, but all are designed to guide the rescuer step by step. Many devices provide audible instructions and some deliver shocks automatically.
Remember:
• Do NOT use an AED on a trauma patient
• Do NOT use an AED on a child under 1 year old
• Do NOT use an AED on someone with a pulse
Note: These guidelines are not a substitute for formal AED training.