Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid (Clone)
CPR combined with using an AED provides the best chance of saving a life. AED’s are safe, accurate, and easy to use. Once you turn on the AED, follow the prompts. The AED will analyze if the person needs a shock and will automatically give one or instruct you when to give one.
AED’s can be used for children, infants, as well as adults.
- Turn on the AED, either pushing the “on” button or lifting the lid. Once you turn on the AED, you will hear prompts which will tell you everything you need to do.
- Attach the pads. AED’s may have adult and child pads. Use adult pads for anyone 8 years of age or older. Peel the backing from the pads. Follow the pictures on the pads and attach to the person’s bare chest. If child pads are not available, use adult pads for children and infants. When you put pads on the child’s chest, make sure the pads do not touch each other. If the child has a small chest, the pads may overlap. In this case, you may need to put one pad on the chest and the other on the child’s back.
**Special Situations that you may need to consider before placing the AED pads. Quickly scan the person to see if he has any of the following before applying the pads:
Let the AED analyze:
- Loudly state “Clear” and make sure no one is touching the person.
- The AED will analyze the heart rhythm.
- If a shock is not needed, resume CPR.
Deliver a shock if needed:
- Loudly state “Clear” and make sure no one is touching the person.
- Push the “shock” button.
- Immediately resume CPR.
