How to use an AED | First Aid step-by-step | iHASCO

An AED is an automated external defibrillator. It is used to give an electric shock to someone who's heart has stopped due to cardiac arrest.

A lot of public places now have AED's placed on walls so that they are accessible to increase someone's chance of survival. Regardless of whether you have access to and AED, you should always call an ambulance if you believe someone is experiencing cardiac arrest.

This video is a snippet from our range of First Aid Courses that we offer -
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COURSE TRANSCRIPT

Once an AED has been brought to you, ask someone to switch it on and follow the prompts to apply the pads, so that you don’t have to stop giving CPR.

Once switched on the AED will immediately start to give you visual and verbal prompts telling you what to do.

The AED will give instructions similar to these:

* Remove all clothing and any large jewellery from the casualty’s chest.
* Make sure the skin is dry.
* Open the bag and take out the pads.
* Pictures on the pads will show you where they should go.
* Remove the backing paper from one pad.
* Press the pad firmly to bare skin, as shown in the picture. The first pad goes on the casualty’s upper right side, just below their collar bone.
* Remove the backing paper from the other pad.
* Press the pad firmly to bare skin, as shown in the picture. The second pad goes on the casualty’s left side, just below their armpit. The pads should be positioned **lengthways** with the long sides in line with the length of the casualty’s body.
* Once both pads are in place, the AED will start evaluating the heart rhythm.
* It will tell you to stop giving CPR and tell everyone to stand well back.
* It will tell you when it’s preparing to deliver the shock and remind you that everyone must be clear and not touching the casualty.
* It will then tell you it’s delivering the shock – there’s often an audible beep warning at this point.
* It tells you when the shock has been delivered and tells you to restart chest compressions and rescue breaths. And to continue CPR for 2 minutes before it re-analyses. At this point it **could** say, “Stand clear - no shock advised - start CPR”.

If the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive, put them in the recovery position, but leave the AED attached, so that it can keep monitoring them - in case they stop breathing again. Continue to follow the voice and/or visual prompts that the machine gives you until help arrives.