How do you use an AED?

Category: medical health first aid
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How To Use an AED:
  1. First, power on the AED. An AED can be used on an adult, child, or infant.
  2. Second, apply the AED pads. Expose the chest and wipe it dry of any moisture.
  3. Third, clear the victim and shock.
  4. Child victim: Use an AED with pediatric pads or equipment.
  5. Infant victim: It's best to use a manual defibrillator.



Also to know is, what are the steps for using an AED?

The “Universal AED”: Common Steps to Operate All AEDs

  1. Step 1: POWER ON the AED. The first step in operating an AED is to turn the power on.
  2. Step 2: Attach electrode pads.
  3. Step 3: Analyze the rhythm.
  4. Step 4: Clear the victim and press the SHOCK button.

Similarly, can anyone use an AED? AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel, such as firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, flight attendants, security guards, teachers, family members of high-risk persons, and bystanders. That includes you! Anyone can use (and should use) an AED in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Simply so, when should you use an AED?

AEDs are found in many public spaces. They may be used in an emergency to help someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Learn how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest emergencies—when you might use an AED, how to find an AED if you need one, and how to use an AED until help arrives.

When should you not use an AED?

You should not use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the following situations:

  1. Do not use AED if victim is lying in water.
  2. Do not use AED if chest is covered with sweat or water.
  3. Do not put an AED pad over a medication patch.
  4. Do not place AED pad over a pacemaker (hard lump under chest skin).

39 Related Question Answers Found

Does it matter which AED pad goes where?

Basic rules for attaching pads common to all AEDs:
Remove and place one pad at a time. It does not matter which pad you put on first and which one goes on second.

How many times can you shock a patient with an AED?

If the operator has attached the AED to an adult victim who's not breathing and pulseless (in cardiac arrest), the AED will make the correct "shock" decision more than 95 of 100 times and a correct "no shock indicated" decision more than 98 of 100 times.

How do you use an AED on a woman?

Apply the AED electrode pads as indicated on the packaging. On most women, the breasts will fall to the side once clothing is removed. They will no longer be “in the way” of performing CPR and hand placement would be the same as on a man – two fingers above the bottom of the sternum, between the nipples.

When the AED arrives What is the first step?

Before Using the AED
1Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts. 2 Open the person's shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. If the person is wearing any medication patches, you should use a gloved (if possible) hand to remove the patches before wiping the person's chest.

Is mouth to mouth still part of CPR?


According to two new studies, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or rescue breathing, isn't necessary during CPR in some cases. Mouth-to-mouth still is recommended in certain circumstances.

Will an AED tell you to stop CPR?

Just like we said above, there are several rhythms an AED will not shock even though the person is in cardiac arrest. The AED will tell you to continue doing CPR, and it will reanalyze again in 2 minutes. Once you start CPR and apply an AED, you don't stop doing CPR unless one of theses things happen.

What is the price of a AED?

Agencies should seek legal counsel before implementing a defibrillation program. How much does an AED cost? The price of an AED varies by make and model. Most AEDs cost between $1,500–$2,000.

Do you give CPR if the person has a pulse?

If the victim has a pulse but is breathing abnormally, maintain the patient's airway and begin rescue breathing. Administer one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, not exceeding 10 to 12 breaths per minute. Check the patient's pulse every 2 minutes. If at any point there is no pulse present, begin administering CPR.

Do you use AED for heart attack?

A heart attack can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The only treatment for SCA is defibrillation from an automated external defibrillator (AED). One treatment of a heart attack can be angioplasty, which opens up the blocked vessels with a medical balloon.

Should an AED be used before or after CPR?


However, an AED is crucial towards regaining the natural rhythm of the heartbeat as well as restarting the patient's heart. CPR should be performed if the patient is non-responsive and not breathing and an AED should be applied after performing CPR.

Can you use an AED on a pregnant woman?

CPR in a pregnant woman should be done in cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths. It is also safe to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, if one is available. If revived, the pregnant woman should be placed on her left side to improve blood flow to the heart and therefore to the fetus.

Can a defibrillator kill you?

A manual defibrillator can cause Cardiac Arrest and then death if it is not reversed. An AED will not discharge or deliver a shock to anyone awake (or not) with a non-shockable rhythm.

Do you have to be certified to use AED?

Expected AED users must receive training from and be certified by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or an equivalent state or nationally recognized course, in CPR and in the use of an AED, and the users must maintain their certification in CPR and AED use.

Can you use an AED in a moving vehicle?

Performance of an automated external defibrillator in a moving ambulance vehicle. AIM OF THE STUDY: The available data suggest that automated external defibrillators (AED) can be safely used in vibration-like moving conditions such as rigid inflatable boats and aircraft environments.

When using an AED The first step is?


How To Use an AED:
  • First, power on the AED. An AED can be used on an adult, child, or infant.
  • Second, apply the AED pads. Expose the chest and wipe it dry of any moisture.
  • Third, clear the victim and shock.
  • Child victim: Use an AED with pediatric pads or equipment.
  • Infant victim: It's best to use a manual defibrillator.

How does an AED affect the rhythm of the heart?

Defibrillation is the delivery of lifesaving electrical energy to the heart during an abnormal rhythm or very rapid erratic beating of the heart known as Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). Through electrodes placed on a patient's chest a processor inside the AED analyzes the victim's heart.

How do you buy an AED?

How to buy an AED
  1. 4 predictions for AEDs of the future.
  2. Decide on AED features.
  3. Ask questions about the AED.
  4. Know local and state requirements.
  5. Obtain an MD prescription.
  6. Determine your budget.
  7. Grant funding for AED purchasing.
  8. Purchase medical direction and AED management.