When you need to use the Defibrillator
An AED is needed in emergency situations where someone requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), eg, if they have had a cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. It should be used as soon as possible.

An AED should only be used on someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. However, the AED will automatically determine if an electric shock is needed and will not apply one if it is unnecessary, so you cannot harm someone by using an AED on them.

AEDs can be used by anyone, even those without medical training.

Importantly, an AED does not replace CPR. CPR should be started immediately on the patient, and continued until an AED becomes available or the patient becomes responsive. If CPR is still necessary after an AED is used, the AED will guide the user through the CPR process.

Steps to use the Defibrillator

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest caused by arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. AEDs are user-friendly and designed for use by laypersons, providing clear voice and visual instructions to guide the user through the defibrillation process. The device analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm.

When using an AED, it is crucial to follow the prompts precisely and ensure no one is touching the casualty during the shock delivery. Early defibrillation, combined with CPR, significantly increases the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims.


Can I hurt someone with an AED?

You cannot hurt someone with an AED. The AED will analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and determine whether to administer an electric shock or not. It will not deliver an electric shock unless it is necessary, and the user cannot accidentally make the AED deliver a shock that is not necessary. If an AED is used on a person who has a normal heart rhythm, it will not deliver a shock.

Can I get hurt using an AED?
AEDs provide clear audio and visual instructions throughout the rescue process and are very safe for the user. The AED will advise the user when a shock is about to be delivered and will instruct the user not to touch the patient.

Can an AED be used on a child?
Most AEDs can be used on children, and some AEDs have a “child mode” button. The AED will guide the user on how it should be used on children.