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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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How to Operate an Automated External Defibrillator

Call 911 if:

  • The person may be having sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Check Responsiveness

  • For an adult or older child, shout and shake the person to confirm consciousness. Do not use AED on a conscious person.
  • For an infant or young child, pinch skin. Never shake a young child.
  • Check breathing and pulse. If absent or irregular, prepare to use AED as soon as possible.

 

2. Prepare to Use AED

  • Make sure the person is in a dry area and away from puddles or water.
  • Remove metal necklaces or underwire bra.
  • Trim excess chest hair. AEDs usually contain scissors or a razor.
  • Check for body piercings or outline of an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
  • AED pads must be placed at least 1 inch away from piercings or implanted devices.

 

3. Use AED

For newborns, infants, and children up to age 8, use a pediatric AED, if possible. If not, use an adult AED. 

  • Turn on the AED.
  • Wipe chest dry.
  • Attach pads.
  • Plug in connector, if necessary.
  • Make sure no one is touching the person.
  • Push “Analyze” button, if necessary.
  • If a shock is advised, check again to make sure no one is touching the person. Push “Shock” button.
  • Start or resume chest compressions.
  • Follow AED prompts. 

 

4. Continue CPR After Using AED

  • After 2 minutes of CPR, check the person’s heart rhythm. If it’s still absent or irregular, give another shock.
  • If a shock isn’t needed, continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the person begins to move.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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