How to Use an AED for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Every year, thousands of lives hang in the balance when sudden cardiac arrest strikes unexpectedly. Unlike a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction where the heart stops beating altogether or develops an uncoordinated rhythm. In these critical moments, an Automated External Defibrillator can be the difference between life and death. Understanding how to use this lifesaving device properly is essential for anyone who might encounter a cardiac emergency.

What is an AED? 🔗

An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable electronic device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electrical shock when needed to restore normal heartbeat. The device automatically diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which are the most common causes of sudden cardiac arrest.

The device works by stopping abnormal electrical activity in the heart, allowing it to re-establish an effective rhythm. Think of it as a reset button for the heart’s electrical system. What makes AEDs remarkable is their user-friendly design. Anyone can use an AED regardless of medical training, as the device provides clear voice prompts and visual instructions throughout the entire process.

Time is critical during cardiac arrest. Survival chances decrease by 7 to 10 percent for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes without treatment, resuscitation rarely succeeds. This is why AEDs are increasingly found in public spaces like airports, schools, gyms, shopping malls, and workplaces.

Step-by-step AED operation 🔗

Using an AED is straightforward, but knowing the exact steps can boost your confidence in an emergency. Here’s how to operate an AED effectively when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest.

Assess the situation and call for help 🔗

Before using an AED, ensure the scene is safe. Check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and asking loudly if they’re okay. If they don’t respond and aren’t breathing normally, have someone call emergency services immediately while you prepare to use the AED. If you’re alone, call for help first, then begin the rescue process.

Power on the device 🔗

Turn on the AED by opening the lid or pressing the power button. Most modern AEDs activate automatically when you open the case. Once powered on, the device will begin providing clear voice instructions that guide you through each step. Listen carefully and follow these prompts precisely.

Prepare the chest and apply electrode pads 🔗

Remove all clothing covering the person’s chest. The AED pads must make direct contact with bare skin, so you may need to cut through shirts or remove jewelry. If the chest is wet from sweat or water, wipe it dry with a cloth. Excessive chest hair can prevent proper pad contact, so you may need to quickly shave the area where pads will be placed using a razor from the AED kit.

The electrode pads have diagrams showing exactly where to place them. Typically, place one pad on the upper right side of the chest just below the collarbone, and the other on the lower left side below the armpit. Press each pad firmly to ensure good contact with the skin. If the pads might touch each other on a small person or child, place one on the chest and the other on the back.

Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm 🔗

Once the pads are attached, the AED will analyze the person’s heart rhythm. The device will instruct you to stand clear and not touch the person during this analysis. This is crucial because any movement can interfere with the AED’s ability to accurately assess the heart’s electrical activity. The analysis takes just a few seconds.

Deliver the shock if advised 🔗

If the AED determines that a shock is needed, it will clearly tell you. Make sure no one is touching the person, then press the shock button when prompted. Some fully automatic models deliver the shock without requiring you to push a button. After the shock is delivered, the AED will instruct you on the next steps, which typically involve starting or resuming CPR.

When to use AED with CPR 🔗

AEDs and CPR work together as a powerful combination for treating sudden cardiac arrest. Understanding how to coordinate these interventions significantly improves survival outcomes.

An AED delivers electrical shocks to restore heart rhythm, while CPR maintains blood circulation to vital organs including the brain. Neither one replaces the other-they complement each other throughout the rescue process.

Start CPR immediately if you witness someone collapse from cardiac arrest. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. When the AED arrives, turn it on and attach the pads while continuing chest compressions if possible. Once the pads are in place, stop compressions only when the AED instructs you to allow rhythm analysis.

After the AED delivers a shock or indicates no shock is needed, immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions. Current protocols call for two minutes of CPR between each AED analysis period. The device will prompt you when to pause for the next rhythm check. Continue this cycle of CPR and AED analysis until emergency medical services arrive or the person shows signs of recovery like breathing or movement.

For trained rescuers, perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If you’re not trained in rescue breathing or uncomfortable performing it, compression-only CPR is still highly effective. The key is to minimize interruptions to chest compressions, as maintaining blood flow is critical for survival.

Safety and maintenance tips 🔗

Proper maintenance and safety awareness ensure your AED will function correctly when needed most. Here are essential considerations for keeping AEDs rescue-ready.

Regular device inspections 🔗

Check your AED monthly to ensure the readiness indicator shows green. Most AEDs have a status light or display that confirms the device is functioning properly. Look for any visible damage to the case, cables, or connectors. Ensure the device hasn’t been exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can affect battery performance.

Battery replacement schedule 🔗

AED batteries typically last between 2 to 5 years depending on the manufacturer and model. Check the battery expiration date printed on the unit and mark your calendar for replacement well before it expires. Dead batteries are the most common cause of AED failure during emergencies, so proactive replacement is critical.

Electrode pad management 🔗

Electrode pads have a shelf life of 18 to 30 months because the conductive gel can dry out over time. Replace pads before they expire, and always keep a spare set available. After using an AED on someone, replace the pads immediately even if they haven’t reached their expiration date. Used pads cannot be reused and may be contaminated.

Training and familiarization 🔗

While AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders, taking a CPR and AED certification course significantly improves response effectiveness. Training builds confidence, reduces hesitation during emergencies, and ensures proper technique. Many organizations offer hands-on courses where you can practice with training AEDs.

Safety precautions during use 🔗

Never touch the person while the AED is analyzing or delivering a shock-you could receive an electrical shock yourself. Ensure the person is not lying in water or on a conductive metal surface. Remove any medication patches from the chest area before applying pads. If the person has an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, position the AED pads at least one inch away from the device.

Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle, as movement interferes with rhythm analysis. Avoid using the device near flammable materials or in environments with explosive gases. Keep cell phones and radios at least six feet away from the AED during operation to prevent interference.

Post-use procedures 🔗

After using an AED, replace the electrode pads immediately and check the battery status. Some AEDs store event data that may be useful for emergency responders or medical review. Clean the device exterior according to manufacturer instructions and return it to service only after confirming it passes self-tests and displays a readiness indicator.

What do you think? How confident would you feel using an AED in an emergency situation? What steps could your workplace or community take to ensure AEDs are readily available and properly maintained when seconds count?

References

1. https://www.osha.gov/aed
2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/cardiovascular-devices/automated-external-defibrillators-aeds
3. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/what-is-aed
4. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/aed/using-an-aed/aed-steps
5. https://hsi.com/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-cpr-and-aed
6. https://www.avive.life/blog/how-to-use-aed
7. https://aed.us/pages/aed-maintenance
8. https://blog.zogics.com/aed-maintenance-guide-how-to-care-for-your-aed-batteries-and-pads