CPR Certification Manual: AED Usage
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
- 3. Positioning & Pulse Check
- 4. Compressions for Adults
- 5. Compressions for Infants & Children
- 6. Ventilation Equipment
- 7. Ventilations for Adults
- 8. Ventilations for Infants & Children
- 9. AED Usage
- 10. AED Special Circumstances
- 11. Common Mistakes
- 12. Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
AED Usage
An automated external defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart's electrical rhythm and determines whether a shock is appropriate. AEDs are designed to provide visual and/or spoken instructions to the rescuer. Use an AED as soon as one becomes available.
Basic AED Steps:
- Turn on the AED
- Expose the person's chest
- Attach the AED pads as shown on the pads or device (Pad-placement diagrams are typically printed directly on the AED pads themselves or on the inside of the AED's cover.)
- Connect the pads if required by the device
- Stop contact with the person when instructed for rhythm analysis
- Make sure no one is touching the person
- If a shock is advised, clearly state that everyone should stand clear
- Deliver the shock if the device requires you to press the shock button
- Immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
- Continue following the AED prompts
If No Shock Is Advised
If the AED announces that no shock is advised, immediately resume CPR unless the person is showing clear signs of life. Do not delay CPR to perform unnecessary checks.
Adult Pad Placement
Follow the diagrams on the AED pads or device.
A common adult placement is:
- One pad on the upper right side of the chest
- One pad on the lower left side of the chest
Pads must adhere firmly to bare skin.
Children and Infants
Use pediatric or child/infant AED pads or settings when available and appropriate for the device. Pediatric pads are generally preferred for children younger than approximately 8 years of age. If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult AED pads may be used. If the pads would touch each other when placed on the chest, use an anterior-posterior position, placing one pad on the chest and the other on the back according to the device instructions. Do not delay defibrillation unnecessarily while searching for pediatric equipment.
Continue CPR
After a shock, immediately resume CPR.
Continue until:
- The person shows signs of life
- Professional rescuers take over
- The scene becomes unsafe
- You are physically unable to continue