How to Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Step-by-Step Guide

In Pune, a man falls in a crowded lobby of an office. Someone freezes. Some other person picks up a phone. Some third person begins to shout with request.  

At such a moment, every second counts. Every year India is estimated to have 7 lakh sudden cardiac arrest death. 

Survival decreases by approximately 10 percent every minute that defibrillation is delayed and ambulance response in most Indian cities still takes 15-20 minutes.

Using AED in the first 3-5 minutes could drive a higher survival rate up to 50-70%. This is why an AED in the hands of a bystander will be the difference between panic and survival.  

In case you are in need of a good site to study, Buy AED India, the biggest AED portal in India, is designed with precisely this sort of preparedness in mind.

What is an AED?

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and guides you step by step on what to do next. 

It is constructed in such a manner that anyone who is present can utilize it as opposed to only trained medical practitioners.  

The device uses clear speech, guides you on each step, delivers a shock only when it is necessary, and reminds you to continue CPR when a shock is not needed.  

To get a very basic idea, follow the Buy AED India guide about what an AED machine is.

How to Use an AED (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Evaluate the Scene and Confirm Cardiac Arrest

Stop and take a moment to look around before rushing in. Look for anything that could put you or the person at risk, such as moving vehicles, electrical hazards, fire, or unstable surfaces.  

After you are certain that it is safe, go up to the person and tap her or his shoulder with a high tone to confirm that the person is responsive.  

If there is no reaction and the person is not breathing or only gasping, assume it is cardiac arrest. Time is critical at this stage. 

Call out for help and assign tasks clearly ask one person to dial 112 and another to bring an AED if available.  

Preciseness prevents misunderstanding and makes sure that help is coming in as fast as possible. You can read this cardiac arrest guide to learn more about cardiac emergencies.

Step 2: Start CPR, Do Not Wait for the AED

Do not wait for equipment to arrive before taking action. Immediately start chest compressions. Position yourself beside the person, place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, and place your other hand on top.  

Lock your elbows and press down with your body weight. The compression must be deep enough to move the chest approximately 5 to 6 cm and need to be delivered at a consistent rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

After each push, allow the chest to go back to its entirety. Provided you understand how to administer rescue breaths, you are expected to follow the 30:2 ratio.  

Otherwise, proceed with compression alone. Consistency matters more than perfection. You can also explore this detailed CPR guide for further details.

Step 3: Power On the AED

When an AED is delivered to you, turn it on immediately. Most AEDs are simple to use.  

It can be activated by either opening the lid or by pressing a distinctly marked button. The AED will start providing voice instructions once powered on.  

Listen carefully and follow each step as guided. These prompts will take you through the process, even though you have never used one before.  

In case another person is around, request that person continue with CPR until you prepare the device. This collaboration serves to keep the blood flowing as AED is being installed, which is essential in the first few minutes.  

Step 4: Prepare the Chest

The pads should be directly applied on the skin to make the AED work effectively. Quickly undress or cut off clothing that covers the chest.  

When the skin is wet either because of water or sweat, wiping it dry so that the pads will be able to stick to the right positions. In cases where there is thick chest hair, shave a small area where each pad will be placed to improve contact.  

If you notice a small lump under the skin, it could be a pacemaker and avoid placing the pad directly over it and position it slightly to the side. In addition, take off any medicine patches or clean them before attaching the pads to avoid contamination.  

Step 5: Place the AED Pads Correctly

Open the adhesive pads out of their package and refer to the placement diagram on the adhesive pads.  

A pad needs to be laid over the upper right side of the chest, directly below the collarbone. The second pad is applied to the lower left-hand area, a few inches below the armpit.  

This is to enable electrical current to flow through the heart effectively. Apply pressure on each pad to make sure it makes complete contact with the skin.  

If the person is a child, use pediatric pads if available. If not, adult pads can be used, but make sure they do not overlap or touch each other. Proper placement is key to the AED functioning correctly.

Step 6: Stand Clear and Let the AED Analyze

After pads are applied, discontinue CPR and allow AED to analyze heart rhythm. During this time no one should touch the person as this can influence the reading.  

Clearly say, “Stand clear,” and visually check that everyone has stepped back. The device 

Be patient and attentive while waiting. This brief pause allows the AED to have the opportunity to decide if a shock is required, and your cooperation will help ensure that it is correct.  

Step 7: Give the Shock  

If the AED tells you the shock is needed, be ready to safely administer the shock. Again, ensure that no contact is made with the person.  

Shout the words "Stand clear" clearly and check to see if they are clear. Press the shock button if the device instructs you to do so. Some movement of the person's body is expected when the shock is given. This is done to assist in restoring a regular heartbeat.  

Don't panic at the push to think about what's next. The AED will let you know what you need to do next, so pay attention and be prepared to move on.

Step 8: Restart CPR and Resume the Cycle

Once the shock has been administered, resume CPR without searching for signs of response.  

Place your hands back in position and continue CPR at the same steady pace. The AED will prompt you when it is time to pause for another rhythm to check, usually after about 2 minutes.  

Follow its directions and repeat the process as needed. Do this until emergency help arrives or signs of life (breathing or movement) return.  

Do not detach the pads and don't turn off the AED during the process because the machine will monitor and instruct you.

Keeping Your AED Ready: Pads, Battery, and Storage

An AED can only save a life if it is in proper working conditions when needed. Maintenance is not difficult but must be done.  

The electrode pads, which stick to the patient’s chest, have a shelf life because the adhesive gel dries out over time.  

Afterwards, they will not adhere well or provide an effective impact. Normal pads should be replaced every two years, unless stated on the pack.  

Battery is an equally vital aspect. The battery automatically drains its charge over time even if the AED has not been used.

Depending on the brand and usage, most AED batteries will last four to five years.  

Many devices include a status indicator or a warning light to indicate when the device is ready or requires maintenance.  

Storage is another important aspect. In India, many areas experience extreme weather conditions and high levels of humidity, and dust. Storing the AED in a cabinet ensures its protection from dust, moisture, and these conditions.  

It needs to be visible and readily accessible to be easily located during an emergency.

Systems such as AED SmartX can facilitate keeping track of the status of the devices and provide alerts when they are due for replacement to make maintenance easier.

You can explore the categories of AED batteries, AED accessories and AED cabinets on Buy AED India for genuine parts and accessories.

AED Training in India: Why Hands-On Practice Saves Lives?

Learning to use AED through books and articles is a good thing, but hands-on practice is the key to being confident.  

AED trainers are specially designed devices that mimic real defibrillators without delivering an actual shock, allowing users to safely learn each step of the process.  

These trainers choose various situations for the users to go through, like positioning the pad, following the trainer's verbal cues, and responding under pressure.  

They are particularly appropriate in workplace and school environments, clubs and gyms, and at housing societies where early intervention can be lifesaving.  

Routine training programs contribute to keeping individuals calm and enhancing their decisiveness in emergency situations, thereby minimizing hesitation and confusion.  

The more frequently an organization provides AED training, the more prepared staff or residence are.  

Think Health Care and Safety strongly encourage routine training as part of a complete emergency response plan, ensuring that AEDs are not just installed but effectively used when needed.

AED training sessions allow people to get comfortable with the device and instill confidence if they will respond to a cardiac emergency event. Explore our training equipment.

Why Knowing How to Use an AED Can Save Lives in India?

Understanding how to use an AED doesn't mean you have to get everything right. It is a matter of performing when it is needed the most.  

The device is designed to teach you exactly what to do, and even simple measures like timely intervention can help prolong someone's life until medical assistance comes.

In a country like India, where response time can be quite slow at times, it can certainly make a difference to be prepared.  

Never be afraid to try. Know the basics, be aware, and be prepared to intervene.  

Buy AED India is committed to improving access to life-saving equipment across the country, with a focus on awareness, reliability, and making AEDs available where they are needed most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing to do in cardiac arrest in India?

Make sure of safety, assess response, dial 112, and administer CPR as soon as possible. Early action saves life in Cardiac emergencies in India.

Can I use an AED without training in India?

Yes. The AED machine in India to ensure safe defibrillator usage by untrained users comes with voice prompts.

Can an AED shock someone by mistake?

AED devices are safe to use because they analyze the heart's rhythm and do not deliver a shock unless necessary in the event of cardiac arrest.

Should I stop CPR when using an AED?

No. Keep performing CPR until AED tells you to stop. Use of immediate CPR along with AED to increase the chance of survival.

Is the AED useful in India prior to the arrival of the ambulance?

Yes. The survival chances improve considerably if an AED is used within minutes, particularly in an Indian urban environment with potential delay in ambulance response time.