Every year in America, more than 350,000 people will go into cardiac arrest in their homes and out in public. Their survival often depends on bystanders recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest and quickly performing CPR.
But while CPR by itself is helpful, it’s much more effective when combined with the use of an AED. Anyone who knows how to use an AED can step in, whether or not they have a medical license.
If you’re around someone when their heart stops, do you know how to help them?
If not, read on to find out how to use an AED—you just might save a life.
What Does AED Stand For?
The acronym AED stands for Automatic External Defibrillator. It’s a piece of equipment that uses strong electrical pulses to shock the heart back into action.
Normally, electrical signals from special heart cells keep it beating at a regular rhythm. But if these signals get out of sync and start firing incorrectly, your heart won’t be able to pump blood through your body. This condition, known as cardiac arrest, is responsible for an estimated 1 in 7.4 deaths in America.
A defibrillator sends an electrical shock through the skin and into the heart that’s strong enough to stop it. While this may seem counterproductive, it gives the heart cells a chance to reset and start beating at the correct rhythm again.
Parts of an AED
Some AED devices may look different from each other, but they’re all composed of the same basic parts.
First, there’s the device itself. The AED looks like a small plastic box with a power button and a shock button, often indicated by a lightning bolt symbol. It may have a small compartment that holds the other parts, or they could be loose in the larger case.
After that come the wires and electrode pads. In some AEDs the wires and pads are pre-attached, but in others, they come separately. There should be a larger set of electrode pads for adults and a smaller set for children.
Finally, every AED should come with visual instructions. Many have instructions printed directly on the device and its equipment. Others will have an included paper or small instruction booklet to show you where to place the electrode pads and how to plug them in.
Other kits may come with scissors for cutting through difficult-to-remove clothing, a razor for shaving hair off the chest area, a CPR face shield, and a towel to dry any water from the surrounding area.
Both the electrode pads and the batteries will expire over time and need to be replaced every few years. If there’s an AED in your workplace, make sure to check it every few months and replace any expired components to ensure it’s always in working order. You can learn more here about how to tell when it’s time to replace parts of your AED device.
How to Use an AED in an Emergency
Time is of the essence when it comes to helping someone in cardiac arrest, but it’s always important to be careful. If used improperly, the shock from an AED can be dangerous to the people trying to help.
Here are the steps you should follow to use an AED safely.
1. Call 911 and Check the Scene
First and foremost, call 911 immediately if you encounter a medical emergency. The dispatcher can guide you through the best ways to provide support until an ambulance arrives.
Before you rush over to help, make sure you check the scene around you for any signs of danger. It’s possible that the victim could have lost consciousness due to an electric shock, dangerous chemicals in the air, or other hazards. Don’t enter a scene if there are signs of immediate danger—you may end up adding yourself to the list of victims.
Once you’re sure the scene is safe, check on the victim. Are they responsive to you calling out to them and tapping their shoulder? Do they have a pulse?
If the answer to those questions is no, it’s time to start CPR if you know how and prep the AED.
2. Power on the AED
Place the AED device close to the victim’s head. Some will turn on automatically when you open the lid, while others have a power button you should press. Once the AED is on, it will give you audio prompts for what to do next.
3. Attach the Electrode Pads
Expose the person’s chest, cutting off clothing if needed. Make sure to wipe the chest area dry of any water or sweat, and dry any water around the person.
Stick the electrode pads on the person’s chest according to the instructions. For adults and children, one pad should go on the right side of the chest below the collarbone, while the other goes on the lower left. For infants, place one pad on the center front of the chest and one on the center of their back.
Make sure the pads aren’t touching each other and plug them into the AED. Continue providing CPR.
4. Clear the Area and Analyze Heart Rhythm
Once the pads are attached, the AED will tell you it’s ready to analyze the victim’s heart rhythm. Some devices will do this automatically, while others have an “analyze” button you’ll need to press. Back away from the person and don’t touch any part of them during this process.
5. Deliver the Shock If Advised
If the person is in cardiac arrest, the AED will tell you a shock is advised. Announce loudly that everyone should clear the area, back away from the person, and press the shock button. Make sure that no one is touching the victim during the shock—the electricity could travel through you and shock your heart as well.
6. Begin CPR and Follow AED Prompts Until Help Arrives
After a shock is delivered (or if no shock is advised), resume CPR and continue to follow the AED prompts. It may tell you to clear the victim and analyze the heart rhythm again to deliver another shock. Continue this cycle until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Fast CPR and AED Response Can Save a Life
The best way to help someone in cardiac arrest is to learn what to do ahead of time. If you’d like to get training on how to use an AED and perform CPR, contact your local hospital or Red Cross chapter to see when they’re offering their next class.
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