Lesson 3 of 6 · 6 min (video + reading)
Using an AED
An AED tells you exactly what to do, and it only shocks when a shock is needed. Anyone can use one.
Video lessons don't replace hands-on training. Practice these skills in a supervised class with a qualified instructor before you rely on them at work.
Video watched
Anyone can use an AED
The American Heart Association says AEDs are built for the general public: no medical training is needed, and the device gives step-by-step voice prompts. It checks the heart rhythm itself and only delivers a shock when one is needed. Use it as soon as it arrives. The Red Cross notes that every minute without CPR and defibrillation lowers the chance of survival.
The steps
- Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
- Bare the chest. Remove or open clothing where the pads go. Wipe the chest dry if it's wet. The 2025 guidelines say a bra can be moved aside instead of removed, as long as the pads touch bare skin.
- Place the pads as shown in the pictures on them: usually one on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side, a few inches below the armpit.
- Plug in the pad connector if the AED asks you to.
- Stand clear. While it analyzes, make sure no one is touching the person. Say "Clear!" loudly.
- Shock if told to: make sure no one is touching the person, then press the shock button.
- Restart compressions right away after the shock, or if no shock is advised. Keep going and follow the prompts until EMS takes over.
Special situations
- Water: move the person out of water first. Rain or snow is fine: keep the AED dry and wipe the chest.
- Metal surfaces: safe, as long as the pads don't touch the metal and no one touches the person during the shock.
- Pacemaker or implanted defibrillator: safe to use. Don't put a pad directly over the device if you can see it.
- Jewelry and piercings: don't waste time removing them, but don't put a pad right on top of them.
- Medication patches: don't put a pad on top of one. Peel it off (wear gloves if you have them) and wipe the skin.
- Chest hair rarely stops the pads from sticking. Press the pads down firmly.
- Pregnancy: an AED is safe to use; use the adult pads.
An AED is for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. For someone who is awake with chest pain, call 911 and stay with them.
Key points
- Anyone can use an AED. It only shocks when a shock is needed.
- Turn it on, bare the chest, place the pads as pictured, follow the prompts.
- No one touches the person during analysis or the shock.
- Restart compressions right after the shock, or if no shock is advised.
Picture it
An office building. You're doing compressions when a coworker runs up with the AED from the hallway. Neither of you has used one before.
He opens it and it starts talking. You keep pushing while he cuts open the shirt and sticks the pads where the pictures show. When it says "analyzing," you lift your hands and say "Clear!" It advises a shock; he checks that no one is touching, presses the button, and you go right back to compressions.
Resources
- American Heart Association: What is an AED and how to use one
Step-by-step AED use in plain language, and why anyone can use one.
- American Red Cross: AED steps
Pad placement for adults and children, and what to do before and after a shock.