AED Guide

Automated External Defibrillator

When to Use an AED

Use an AED whenever a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise if a shock is needed. You cannot harm someone by using an AED - it will only shock if needed.

How to Use an AED

Step 1

Turn On the AED

Press the power button. The AED will begin giving voice prompts.

Step 2

Expose the Chest

Remove clothing to expose bare chest. Dry the chest if wet. Remove medication patches if present.

Step 3

Apply AED Pads

Peel backing and place pads as shown on the pad diagrams. One pad on upper right chest, one on lower left side.

Step 4

Connect Pads

Plug the pad connector into the AED if not already connected.

Step 5

Clear and Analyze

Make sure NO ONE is touching the victim. Allow AED to analyze the heart rhythm.

Step 6

Shock if Advised

If AED advises shock: ensure everyone is clear, then press the shock button.

Step 7

Resume CPR

Immediately after shock (or if no shock advised), resume CPR starting with compressions.

Pad Placement

Adults & Children

  • • Upper right chest (below collarbone)
  • • Lower left side (below armpit)
  • • Pads should not touch

Infants (if no infant pads)

  • • One pad on center of chest
  • • One pad on center of back
  • • Pads must not touch

Pediatric Pads

  • • Use for children under 8 years
  • • Use adult pads if unavailable
  • • Some AEDs have a child switch

Special Situations

Hairy Chest

Shave area with razor in AED kit, or press pads down firmly

Wet Victim

Dry chest quickly before placing pads

Medication Patch

Remove patch, wipe area clean, then place pads

Pacemaker/ICD

Place pads at least 1 inch away from device

Child (1-8 years)

Use pediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads but don't let them touch

Infant (<1 year)

Use infant pads if available; may need to place one on chest, one on back

Critical Safety Points

  • • ⚠️ CLEAR! - Ensure no one is touching victim before shock
  • • Do NOT use AED in water - move victim to dry area first
  • • AED should not delay CPR - one person does CPR while another prepares AED
  • • Resume CPR immediately after shock - do not wait for reanalysis
  • • Leave pads attached - AED will reanalyze every 2 minutes

After Using AED

  • • Leave AED on and pads attached
  • • Continue CPR until EMS arrives
  • • AED will reanalyze rhythm every 2 minutes
  • • If victim recovers, monitor breathing and keep them still

App Permissions

To help you in an emergency, this app needs a couple of permissions. Here's exactly what's used and why:

Location

Used only when you activate the emergency location feature. Coordinates stay on your device and are never stored. Tap "Open Map" to send them to Google Maps so you can identify nearby streets or landmarks for the dispatcher.

Phone / Call

Emergency call buttons open your phone's dialler directly so you can reach services with one tap. No calls are made automatically.