First Aid & Emergencies

How to Operate an Automated External Defibrillator

• The person may be having sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Check Responsiveness

• For an adult or older child, shout and shake the person to confirm consciousness. Do not use AED on a conscious person.

• For an infant or young child, pinch skin. Never shake a young child.

• Check breathing and pulse. If absent or irregular, prepare to use AED as soon as possible.

2. Prepare to Use AED

• Make sure the person is in a dry area and away from puddles or water.
  
• Check for body piercings or outline of an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  
• AED pads must be placed at least 1 inch away from piercings or implanted devices.

3. Use AED

For newborns, infants, and children up to age 8, use a pediatric AED, if possible. If not, use an adult AED.

• Turn on the AED.
• Wipe chest dry.
• Attach pads.
• Plug in connector, if necessary.
• Make sure no one is touching the person.
• Push “Analyze” button.
• If a shock is advised, check again to make sure no one is touching the person. 
• Push “Shock” button.
• Start or resume chest compressions.
• For an adult, see The Importance of CPR for information about giving CPR.
• For a child, see CPR for Children.
• Follow AED prompts.

4. Continue CPR After Using AED

• After 2 minutes of CPR, check the person’s heart rhythm. If it’s still absent or irregular, give another shock.

• If a shock isn’t needed, continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the person begins to move.

• Stay with the person until help arrives.