Using the Automated External Defibrillator

Previous experience or first aid qualification/training is not necessary to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

YOU CAN SAVE A LIFE

Get somebody to urgently call 999 for an Ambulance while you get the AED ready.

Time is critical.

The patient’s health is the priority but please also notify a HSME member so that the Health & Safety officer is made aware.

1. Assess the patient



Confirm that the patient is both
• Unresponsive
• Not breathing or not breathing normally

2. Turn on the AED



Open the lid - you will hear
• “Powered on”
• “Stay calm”
• “Follow the verbal instructions”

3. Check patient Age


Move switch shown (top right of machine)

Adult (8+) you will hear “Adult Mode”
Child (<8) you will hear “Child Mode”

4. Prepare the patient



Expose the patient’s bare chest
• Dry the skin
• Shave excessive hair – there is a razor with the AED

5. Take pads from box


You will hear “Apply the pads firmly to the patient as illustrated “

For an adult:
• Place the blue pad as the blue area (below left nipple, on the left anterior axillary line).
• Place the red pad as the red area (below the clavicle, lateral to the sternum).

For a child <8:
• Place the blue pad as the blue area (on the chest middle line).
• Place the red pad as the red area (on the back middle line).

6. Analyse heart rhythm



DO NOT TOUCH THE PATIENT


AED will analyse the heart rhythm

You will hear “Do not touch the patient. Analysing heart rhythm”

7. AED says “Shock Advised”


No action needed by you.

The machine here is an Automated Model and will automatically deliver a shock.

You will hear “Shock advised. Shock will be delivered in 3, 2, 1”

8. AED says “No shock is advised”



• If the patient is now conscious and breathing normally just monitor until ambulance arrives.

• If the patient is not responding you will need to start CPR. The AED will guide and encourage you.

When advised by the AED go back to step 6.

You can find an online link to a professionally recorded full demonstration training session here:
London Hearts Instruction Video

 

The information included here is based on the manufacturers manual as of March 2026.