Using an AED

How to Use an AED in BLS: Steps and Special Situations

An automated external defibrillator is designed to be used by anyone, but using it well — fast, and with minimal pauses in compressions — is a skill practised and tested on every BLS course.

The steps

Turn it on → attach the pads → clear everyone while it analyses → shock if advised → resume compressions immediately. Keep CPR going until the AED is ready.

The steps

  1. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
  2. Attach the pads to the bare chest: one below the right collarbone, the other on the left side below the armpit, as shown on the pads.
  3. Clear — nobody touches the patient while the AED analyses.
  4. Shock if advised, making sure everyone is clear.
  5. Resume compressions immediately, starting with compressions. The AED reanalyses after about 2 minutes.

Children and infants

Use paediatric pads or a dose attenuator if available. If not, use adult pads, placed front and back if needed so they do not touch. See infant and child BLS.

Special situations

  • Water: move the person out of standing water and dry the chest quickly.
  • Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator: avoid placing a pad directly over the device.
  • Medication patches: remove the patch and wipe the skin before placing a pad.
  • Hairy chest: press the pads firmly; shave quickly if they will not stick.

Keep the pauses short

With two rescuers, one keeps compressing while the other places the pads — see two-rescuer BLS. Early defibrillation is one of the most important links in the chain of survival. For workplaces, the CPR AED vs first aid guide explains the lay-rescuer courses.

This guide summarises what is taught on the course. The American Heart Association CPR and ECC Guidelines, linked below, are the authoritative source.

Other life support and first aid courses: ACLS Course · PALS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

When should the AED be used?

As soon as it is available.

Where do AED pads go?

Usually one below the right collarbone and one on the left side below the armpit, as shown on the pads.

Can an AED be used on a child?

Yes, with paediatric pads if available, otherwise adult pads that do not touch.

What if the person has a pacemaker?

Avoid placing a pad directly over the device.

Do you check the pulse after a shock?

No, resume compressions immediately. The AED reanalyses after about 2 minutes.

Practise these skills on an AHA BLS course

Reading is not the same as doing. Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, with classroom, HeartCode and on-site BLS training and a two-year AHA BLS Provider eCard.

See BLS dates and register BLS course overview Group booking enquiry

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.