AEDs Save Lives

Sudden cardiac arrest happens quickly and most often without warning. An electrical malfunction causes your heart to beat irregularly. Your brain doesn't get enough blood. Your lungs and other organs don't get enough blood. Within seconds, you have no pulse. Within minutes, you're dead.

If you're lucky enough, someone nearby will call 911 and start hands-only CPR. Survivors of cardiac arrest are among those who get bystander CPR (given by witnesses prior to EMS arriving). If you're really lucky, there will be an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby. 

AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, with clear voice and visual prompts, so that even individuals without clinical training can operate them effectively and provide life-saving assistance during a cardiac emergency.

AED’s: How Do They Work? 

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can detect and treat ventricular heart problems by applying electricity. They are often found in airports, shopping malls, sports venues, schools and gyms. AEDs:

1. Analyze the heart rhythm and determine if electrical shock is needed
2. Send an electrical shock (if needed) to the heart

The electrical shock:

• Interrupts the chaotic heart rhythm
• Coordinates the heart muscle contracting and restores normal heart rhythm
• Returns the pulse within 30 to 45 seconds of being shocked (if successful) 

AEDs and CPR Save Lives

When someone collapses and seems lifeless, follow these steps:

1. Call 911. Put your cell phone next to you on speaker. The operator will guide you through performing CPR.
2. Start hands-only CPR.
3. Ask if there is an AED nearby. Ask someone to get it for you while you perform CPR.
4. Set up the AED. The system is designed for easy set up.
5. Follow AED audio instructions. The instructions will advise you not to touch or move the patient while it analyzes the heart. It will advise you when and if to shock the patient. Don't touch the body during the shock.
6. After the shock: Resume CPR and continue to follow AED prompts. Continue CPR and AED prompts until the person shows signs of life or EMS arrives.