How to Use an Automatic External Defibrillator

Using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on a person in cardiac arrest can dramatically increase survival rates. AEDs are designed to detect the victim's heart rhythm and provide the appropriate stimulation to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are designed so that almost any bystander can administer aid until trained medical professionals can assume treatment. AEDs are often available for emergency use in public locations like airports, shopping malls, schools and sports arenas.

Things You'll Need

• Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

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Instructions

• 1

  Call 911 or designate someone to call 911. Tell this person to come back to you to confirm that they have made the call.

• 2

  Determine if the victim is breathing. Check to see whether the victim's chest is rising and falling or place your cheek near the victim's nose and mouth to feel for breathing. If the victim is breathing, he has a pulse and using an AED is unnecessary. If the victim is not breathing, administer rescue breathing and chest compressions (CPR) at the rate of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.

• 3

  Locate an AED. If another rescuer is available, have them take over chest compressions while you prepare the victim and the AED.

• 4

  Ensure the adhesive pads are attached to the cables and plugged in to the AED.

• 5

  Attach the negative pad to the victim's chest according to the diagram included with the AED. If no diagram is available, place the negative pad on the victim's right upper chest wall, above the right nipple.

• 6

  Attach the positive pad according to the diagram, or on the left side of the victim's chest, just below the nipple and the pectoral muscle.

• 7

  Turn on the AED.

• 8

  Stop CPR.

• 9

  Shout "clear" and make sure no one is touching the victim.

• 10

  Push the "analyze" button on the AED. The AED will analyze the victim's heart rhythm and inform you whether the victim needs a shock. The AED gives a "no shock" message if the victim has a pulse or if the victim is not suffering from ventricular fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm).

• 11

  Shock the victim. If the AED indicates the victim needs to be shocked, make sure everyone, including you, is clear of the victim. Press the "Shock" button on the AED.

• 12

  Administer CPR for five cycles immediately after the shock has been delivered. A cycle in CPR is 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

• 13

  Recheck the victim's heart rhythm by pressing the "analyze" button, and repeating Steps 10-12 . If the victim has a pulse, monitor his airway and provide rescue breathing as necessary.