Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)

Table of Contents

CPR and AEDs are to be used when a person is unresponsive or when breathing or heart beat stops. If your school has an AED, this guideline will refresh information provided in training courses on incorporating AED use into CPR cycles.

Actions

  1. Gently tap the individual on the shoulder and shout, “Are you OK?”
  2. If the individual is unresponsive, shout for help.
  3. If someone is available, send them to CALL EMS and get your school’s AED if available.
  4. Follow the primary steps for CPR using the training you have received.
  5. If available, set up the AED according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on the AED and
    follow the verbal instructions provided. Incorporate an AED into CPR cycles according to instructions.

If cardiac arrest or collapse was witnessed:

  1. Use the AED first if immediately available. If not, begin CPR following the training you have received.
  2. Prepare the AED to check heart rhythm and deliver a shock as needed.
  3. Begin CPR following the guidelines of the training you have received.
  4. Complete 5 cycles of CPR (30 chest compressions in between 15-18 seconds to 2 breaths for a rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute) or the training you have received.
  5. Prompt another AED rhythm check.
  6. Rhythm checks should be performed after every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR.
  7. Repeat cycles of 2 minutes of CPR to 1 AED rhythm check until individual responds or help arrives.

If the cardiac arrest or collapse was NOT witnessed:

  1. Start CPR first using the training you have received.

  2.  Prepare the AED to check the heart rhythm and deliver a shock as needed.

  3. Rhythm checks should be performed after every 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR.

  4. Repeat cycles of 2 minutes of CPR to 1 AED rhythm check until individual responds or help arrives.