Do You Need To Be Certified To Use An AED?

April 20, 2021

At Defibtech, we are dedicated to increasing survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Our vision is to lead explosive growth in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage and transform pre-hospital treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.
 
We understand the importance of placing more AEDs in places that need them but it is also important that people understand how easy an AED is to use. Oftentimes, people ask, “Do I need to be certified to use an AED?”
 
The answer to this question is: No, you do not need to be certified. Anyone can use an AED. The most important thing to remember is to turn the AED on. Once the AED is turned on, it will talk to you and tell you exactly what to do. To use an AED, follow these simple steps:

Step 1:

Power on the AED. Our Lifeline AEDs have a very clear, green “on” button. Once you press the button, the machine will start talking to you. It will first tell you to “call for help.” If you have not called 9-1-1 yet, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Step 2:

Next, the AED will tell you to “remove pads from package in back of unit.” Defibtech AEDs make the pads easy to find! Just turn the machine around and you will see the pads pack in the back of the unit.

Step 3:

 The AED will now tell you to “apply pads to patient’s bare chest as shown.” It is important that the patient’s chest is completely bare. The pads cannot be placed over any type of clothing. The pads have pictures on them. When you tear open the pads package you will see one picture showing a pad on the right side of the patient’s chest underneath the collar bone. The other picture will show a pad being placed on the person’s left side, under the armpit. Place the AED pads firmly as they are shown in the pictures.
 

Step 4:

Once the defibrillator pads are placed correctly the machine will say, “analyzing heart rhythm, do not touch the patient.” It is important to make sure no one is touching the patient at this time. Look up and down the body. Loudly state, “Stand clear.” If the machine determines a shock is needed, it will say, “Shock Advised. Charging. Stand Clear.” Again, look up and down the body. Loudly state, “Stand clear.”

Step 5:

Once the machine has finished charging, it will say, “Press flashing shock button.” Defibtech AEDs have a bright shock button found on the front of the unit. Press this button when it is flashing and the AED tells you to.

Step 6:

Once you deliver the first shock, the defibrillator machine will say, “Shock one delivered. It is safe to touch the patient. Begin CPR now.” You can now provide CPR to the person. NEVER remove the defibrillator pads. Perform CPR with the pads still on the body. You will hear a metronome that will give you the perfect beat to provide chest compressions. The AED will allow you to provide CPR for two minutes. After two minutes that machine will re-analyze and determine if a second shock is needed. This process will continue until EMS arrives.
 
You can get certified in providing CPR and using an AED if you want to. Organizations like the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the American Safety and Health Institute provide comprehensive training classes that lead to a certification card.
 
To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.