Automated External Defibrillator (AED) FAQ
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) or often referred to simply as 'defibs' are compact, portable, easy to use, safe and very effective.
AEDs can be used by anyone, whether or not they have had formal training. An AED gives the person using it voice instructions. An AED will not allow a shock to be given unless the collapsed person needs one. AEDs can be stored for long periods without use and need very little maintenance.
Put simply: Defibrillators save lives!
What should you do if sudden cardiac arrest happens?
If you come across someone who is unconscious, not breathing or not breathing normally, they’re in cardiac arrest.
- Call 999
- Begin CPR
If you're on your own, don't interrupt the CPR to go and get a defibrillator.
If Possible send someone else to get find a defibrillator.
- Turn the defibrillator on
- Follow the instructions.
- Peel off the sticky pads and attach them to the casualtys skin as shown on the pictures on the pads
- Once the pads are attached the defibrillator will tell you to stop CPR and not to touch the casualtl. The defibrillator analyses the hearts rhythm.
- The defibrillator will assess whether a shock is needed. If a shock is needed, it will tell you to press the shock button. An automatic defibrillator will shock the patient without prompt. Do not touch the patient while they are being shocked.
- The defibrillator will tell you when the shock has been delivered.
- The defibrillator will tell you to continue with CPR until the casualty shows signs of life, or the defibrillator tells you to stop to analyse the rhythm again.