CPR + First Aid Certification Manual: AED Usage
- 1. CPR 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 CPR Mistakes
- 12. CPR Conclusion
- 13. First Aid Introduction
- 14. Get to Know Your First Aid Kit
- 15. Recognition & Protective Gear
- 16. Medical Emergencies
- 17. Medical Emergencies II
- 18. Trauma Emergencies
- 19. Trauma Emergencies II
- 20. Choking
- 21. Choking Procedures for Adults & Children
- 22. Choking Procedures for Infants
- 23. Aftercare
- 24. Common First Aid Mistakes
- 25. First Aid Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device used to treat individuals experiencing cardiac arrest by detecting cardiac rhythms and, if necessary, administering a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs detect the heart's rhythm to determine if a shock is necessary. They deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
During CPR, if an AED is brought to the scene for a rescuer to utilize, the first action should be to open the case and power on the device, unless the device powers on automatically when opened. AED pads have images to show correct placement. Remove the plastic film to expose the adhesive side of the pads and attach them to the victim.
Quick Tip: Usually, AED adult pads can be used on victims 8 years and older.
Steps to Use an AED
- Turn on the AED
- Begin CPR immediately upon recognizing cardiac arrest. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest while someone calls 911 and gets the AED.
- Plug in the AED pads and place them on the victim. Ensure proper placement of the electrode pads. For adults, place one pad on the upper right side of the chest and the other on the lower left side. For children, use pediatric electrode pads if available.
- Clear any contact with the victim to allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and listen for the AED’s prompts. If necessary, the AED delivers a shock automatically or prompts you to press the “Shock” button.
- The prompt will be either “No Shock Advised” or “Shock Advised”
- If the prompt is “Shock Advised”, the device will give a warning of “Clear” before shocking
- Once “Clear” is heard, clear any contact with the victim and press the “Shock” button, then listen for the prompt to continue CPR
- If the AED advises no shock, start CPR immediately.
- If the prompt is “No Shock Advised”, perform CPR for 5 cycles and then reanalyze. Ensure to perform chest compressions during CPR.
Special Considerations for Infants and Children: AED Pads
Special AEDs and/or AED pads are made for children and infants. It is important to use pediatric electrode pads, which are specifically designed for proper placement on a child's body. An adult AED and/or adult electrode pads should not be used on a child under the age of 8 or an infant.