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Before you use an AED: safety and first steps

Defibrillators are used during a suspected cardiac arrest. In everyday terms: the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (they may be gasping, which is not normal breathing). The AED is one part of the “chain of survival” alongside calling 999, starting CPR, and early defibrillation.

1) Check for danger and responsiveness

Make sure the area is safe for you and the casualty. Look for traffic, electricity hazards, fire, aggressive crowds, water on the ground, or anything that could put you at risk. Then try to get a response: speak loudly, tap their shoulders, and ask if they can hear you.

2) Call 999 and get help

If there’s no response and they’re not breathing normally:

• Call999(or ask someone specific: “You in the blue coat-call 999 and come back”).
• Ask someone to fetch an AED if one is nearby (many are in community cabinets, leisure centres, railway stations, schools, gyms, offices and shopping areas).
• Put the phone on speaker if you’re alone so you can follow the call handler’s instructions while starting CPR.

3) Start CPR while the AED is coming

Begin chest compressions in the centre of the chest. Push hard and fast and allow the chest to rise fully between compressions. If you’re trained and willing, add rescue breaths; otherwise, hands-only CPR is far better than doing nothing. Continue until the AED arrives and is ready to analyse.

Many people like to learn what to look for when choosing a unit for home or community peace of mind-voice guidance quality, pad fit (adult/paediatric), and clear status indicators are common considerations. You can explore typical models and accessories in theElovita Defibrillators Collection.

How to use a defibrillator safely: step-by-step AED technique

Different AED brands and product types vary slightly (for example: semi-automatic vs fully automatic; paediatric mode vs paediatric pads), but the technique is broadly the same. Think:turn it on, expose chest, apply pads, follow prompts.

Step 1: Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts

Open the lid or press the power button. The unit will start speaking. The audio instructions are there to keep you on track, especially under pressure.

Step 2: Expose the chest and prepare the skin

Remove clothing from the chest. If the chest is wet, quickly wipe it dry (water can reduce pad adhesion and may affect safety). If the person has a very hairy chest and the pads won’t stick, some AED kits include a razor; shave a small area where each pad will go. Don’t spend too long on this-rapid pad placement and CPR matter.

Step 3: Apply the adhesive electrode pads (correct placement matters)

The pads have pictures showing exactly where they go. Standard adult placement is:

• One pad on the upper right chest, just below the collarbone.
• One pad on the left side, a few inches below the armpit (side of the chest).

This “right-upper / left-side” position helps the electrical current travel through the heart. Press pads firmly so they stick without air bubbles. Correct placement supports the device’s rhythm analysis and improves shock effectiveness.

Step 4: Plug in the pads (if required)

Some AEDs have pads pre-connected; others require you to insert a connector. If the device asks you to plug them in, do so firmly.

Step 5: Stand clear while the AED analyses

When the AED says it’s analysing, stop CPR and ensure nobody is touching the person (including you). Even small movements can interfere with rhythm detection. Say clearly, “Stand clear,” and do a quick visual check.

Step 6: Deliver a shock only if prompted

There are two common types:

• Semi-automatic AED: it tells you a shock is advised, then you press a flashing button.
• Fully automatic AED: it warns a shock will be delivered, then it shocks without you pressing a button.

In both cases, keep everyone clear. If you’re pressing the button, look to confirm no one is touching the casualty, then press as instructed.

Step 7: Resume CPR immediately after the shock (or if no shock is advised)

Whether a shock was delivered or not, the AED will instruct you to start CPR. Begin chest compressions straight away and follow the device’s timing prompts. The AED will re-analyse periodically; each time it does, pause CPR and stand clear again.

If you want to get familiar with typical AED user prompts, pad diagrams, and carry case layouts before you ever face an emergency, a quick look through theDefibrillators Collection rangecan help you understand how different units are designed for calm, guided use.

Common safety questions first-time users worry about

These concerns come up often. The key is to follow the AED’s instructions and keep the scene safe.

Is it safe to use an AED on the wrong person?

An AED will only advise a shock if it detects a rhythm that may benefit from defibrillation (such as ventricular fibrillation). If the rhythm is not shockable, it will tell you “no shock advised” and prompt CPR. You should still treat an unresponsive person who isn’t breathing normally as an emergency and call 999.

Can I hurt someone with an AED?

The main risk is delaying CPR or not calling 999. Using the AED as instructed is considered safe for lay rescuers. The device controls the energy and guides pad placement. Your biggest safety task is making sure nobody touches the casualty during analysis and shock delivery.

What if the person has a pacemaker or medical implant?

You may see a small bump under the skin near the collarbone. Don’t place a pad directly over it-position the pad slightly to the side, following the pad diagram as closely as possible.

What if the person is lying on a wet surface or it’s raining?

Move them away from pooled water if you can do so quickly and safely. Wipe the chest dry so the pads stick. Then follow the prompts. The priority is fast defibrillation and CPR while keeping bystanders clear during shock delivery.

What if they’re wearing a bra or jewellery?

Remove or cut away clothing so pads can stick to bare skin. Jewellery doesn’t usually need removal unless it interferes with pad placement. If there’s a metal piercing near where a pad should go, place the pad slightly away so it adheres flat.

People also ask: quick answers on using an AED

Do I remove medication patches before applying AED pads?

Yes-if there’s a visible patch where a pad must go, remove the patch and wipe the area quickly before placing the pad.

How do I use an AED on a child?

Use paediatric pads or a child mode if the AED has them, and follow the pad diagrams. If only adult pads are available, follow the AED’s instructions; some guidance may advise placing one pad on the chest and one on the back to prevent pads touching on a small chest.

What if the AED says “check electrodes”?

Press pads firmly, ensure they’re on bare, dry skin, check the connector is fully inserted (if applicable), and make sure the pad cable isn’t loose or damaged.

Do I stop CPR when the AED arrives?

Only pause when the AED tells you to stand clear for analysis (and for shock delivery if advised). Otherwise, keep CPR going while someone else powers on the device and gets pads ready.

Can I use an AED if I’m not trained?

Yes. AEDs are designed for public access with clear voice prompts and diagrams. Call 999, start CPR, then follow the AED instructions exactly.

What should I do after the AED has been used?

Stay with the person, continue CPR as directed, and follow the 999 call handler and AED prompts until ambulance crews take over. If you’re at home or responsible for the device, note that used pads will need replacing and the unit may log event data-check the manufacturer instructions.

Choosing and keeping an AED ready at home or in your community

If you’re considering having an AED available, focus on everyday readiness rather than just the moment of use. Consumers often look at:

• Clear voice promptsand simple user interface (helpful under stress).
• Pad fit: adult pads as standard, plus paediatric capability if children may be present.
• Battery and pad expiry: easy-to-check status indicator and straightforward replacement.
• Carry caseand portability for travel, sports clubs, or remote outings.
• Qualitysignals: reputable brand, clear instructions, and accessible support information.

Common brands you may see in UK settings includePhilips,ZOLL,Defibtech,HeartSineandSchiller. Product types include fully automatic and semi-automatic AEDs, plus models with CPR feedback, metronomes, and paediatric modes. Typical use cases range from home peace of mind (especially with cardiac risk in the family) to sports sessions, gyms, community halls, schools and travel.

To compare features in one place, you can look through thedefibrillators and accessories collectionand read each product description carefully for pad options, maintenance checks and included extras.

Benefits of an AED (and what it can’t do)

The main benefits of having defibrillators accessible are speed and guidance: early defibrillation can be life-saving in certain cardiac arrest rhythms, and the device supports you with step-by-step instructions. Many AEDs also include features that can improve CPR quality, such as a metronome or compression guidance.

It’s equally important to know what an AED can’t do: it cannot “restart” a heart in every situation, and it won’t advise a shock for non-shockable rhythms. That’s why CPR and calling 999 remain essential, even when an AED is available.

Practical do’s and don’ts for safe AED use

• Docall 999 first (or delegate it) and start CPR immediately.
• Doturn the AED on as soon as it arrives and follow prompts in order.
• Dokeep the chest dry and pads firmly attached for good contact.
• Domake sure nobody is touching the casualty during analysis and shock delivery.
• Don’twaste time searching for a pulse if you’re not trained-focus on responsiveness, breathing, 999, CPR and the AED.
• Don’tremove the pads once applied; leave them in place until professionals take over.
• Don’tstop after one analysis-keep following the cycle of CPR and re-analysis.

Two quick scenarios: what it looks like in real life

At home:A family member collapses in the living room. You check responsiveness and breathing, call 999 on speaker, start chest compressions, and ask another person to fetch the AED. As soon as it arrives, you power it on, apply pads, stand clear for analysis, and resume CPR whenever told.

At a sports club:Someone collapses on the sideline. One person calls 999, one starts CPR, and another retrieves the AED from the clubhouse. You ensure the casualty is on a firm surface, expose and dry the chest, apply pads, and keep players and bystanders clear during analysis/shock.

If you’re building familiarity before you ever need to act, it can help to browse different layouts and prompt styles in theDefibrillators Collection at Elovitaand note where pads are stored, how the status light looks, and what accessories are typically included.

FAQ

How do I know the AED is working before an emergency?

Most AEDs perform self-checks and show a status indicator (often a light or symbol). Check the manufacturer’s instructions for what “ready” looks like, and keep an eye on pad and battery expiry dates.

Where should I store an AED at home for fastest access?

Choose a visible, central spot that’s easy to reach (not locked away), away from damp and extreme heat. Tell everyone in the household where it is, and keep the carry case, pads and any rescue kit items together.