How to Use an AED ?

You have 3 kinds of AED’s.  The full automatic, semi-automatic, and manual defibrillator.  Sometimes you just have to listen and sometimes it requires action from you.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is designed to be simple and safe so that anyone — even without medical training — can use it. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check the person 

  • Make sure they are unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping).

  • Call emergency services (112 in Europe) or have someone else call.

  • Start CPR immediately if possible (30 compressions, 2 breaths if trained, or compressions only).

Step 2: Turn on the AED

  • Open the lid or press the ON (power) button.

  • The device will start talking to you with clear voice and visual instructions.

Step 3: Expose the chest

  • Remove clothing from the person's chest.

  • Make sure the person’s chest is bare and dry.

  • Shave or wipe quickly if there’s lots of hair or moisture (material included in the AED box).

Step 4: Attach the pads

  • Peel the pads from their backing.

  • Place one pad on the upper right chest (just below the collarbone).

  • Place the other pad on the left side of the chest, below the armpit.

  • Follow the diagram on the pads. The AED will tell you exactly where to place them.

Step 5: Let the AED analyse

  • Don’t touch the person while the AED checks their heart rhythm. The AED will check the heart rhythm automatically.

  • The AED will say “Analysing heart rhythm, do not touch the patient.”

Step 6: Deliver the shock if advised

  • If the AED says “Shock advised,” press the flashing shock button. or listen to the machine counting down to the shock.

  • Make sure no one is touching the person during the shock!

  • If “No shock advised,” continue CPR immediately.

Step 7: Continue CPR

  • Right after the shock (or if no shock is advised), start CPR again: 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.

  • Follow the AED’s prompts — it will guide you when to stop for another rhytm analysis.

Step 8: Keep going until

  • The person shows signs of life (moving, breathing).

  • Emergency medical services arrive and take over.

  • You are physically unable to continue.

Key things to remember:

  • AEDs are safe — they won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed.

  • Follow the voice prompts step by step.

  • Combine AED use with high-quality CPR for the best chance of survival.