First Aid & Emergencies

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.

• For an adult, see The Importance of CPR for information about giving CPR.

• For a child, see CPR for Children.

• 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.