How to Install an AED

An automatic external defibrillator, or AED, is a device that can analyze a heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary. If the heart stops beating when a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest, timely cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, and defibrillation could save her life. Because AEDs are battery-powered, they take little installation. However, maintaining the device is important, especially since they will not be used often but must be ready for a sudden and unexpected emergency.

Things You'll Need

• 9-volt batteries
• Coin or screwdriver
• Wall-mounting bracket
• Drill

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Press the power button on the AED to make sure it comes with batteries. If the AED does not turn on, you may have to purchase the batteries separately. These devices are meant to be portable and require batteries to turn on, analyze the heart rhythm and deliver the electric shock.

• 2

  Insert 9-volt batteries into the back of the AED. Remove the battery cover with a simple tool, such as a coin or a screwdriver, depending on the model. Insert the batteries with the charge facing the correct way, which will be indicated next to each battery slot. Consult your AED or the instruction manual to determine how many batteries it takes. Many AED models confirm battery installment aloud once each battery is in place.

• 3

  Turn on the AED once the appropriate batteries are installed. The AED will begin to speak instructions aloud with an automated recording.

• 4

  Follow the instructions spoken, including connecting the pads to the device. Do not apply the pads to yourself or another individual who is not having a heart emergency. The AED will not charge and deliver a shock unless it reads an at-risk heart rhythm.

• 5

  Keep a log of when you installed the batteries. The AED and battery instructions should tell you how often they require replacement.

• 6

  Secure the AED in a visible, public area. Drill the bracket into the wall with your drill and the screws that came with the bracket kit. Place the AED inside. Close the front cover if the bracket came with one, but do not lock it. This storage area should be central to the facility as a whole. You should be able to reach the AED in a minute or less from any part of the building. If you can't, consider purchasing more AEDs to spread throughout the building.