Resuscitation
AED — Automated External Defibrillator
An AED delivers an electric shock to restart a heart in cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — turn it on, attach the pads as shown, and follow the voice prompts.
An AED delivers an electric shock to restart a heart in cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — turn it on, attach the pads as shown, and follow the voice prompts.
What an AED does
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyses the heart's rhythm and, if it detects a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), it delivers a controlled electric shock to try to restart a normal heartbeat.
How to use an AED
- Turn it on. Open the lid or press the power button.
- Attach the pads to the person's bare chest as shown on the pad packaging:
- Adult: one pad below the right collarbone, one pad on the left side below the armpit.
- Child under 8 or under 25 kg: use paediatric pads if available — one on the centre of the chest, one on the middle of the back.
- Stand clear while the AED analyses the heart rhythm.
- Deliver the shock if instructed — make sure no one is touching the person, then press the flashing button.
- Resume CPR immediately after the shock or if no shock is advised. The AED will re-analyse every 2 minutes.
Special situations
- Wet skin or rain: dry the chest quickly and continue. Move away from puddles.
- Hairy chest: pads must contact skin — shave or pull off pads quickly if needed (most kits include a razor).
- Implanted pacemaker: place the pad at least 8 cm away from any visible lump.
- Medication patches: remove and wipe the area before placing the pad.
Finding an AED
Use the GoodSAM AED Finder or call 000 — the operator can direct you to the nearest registered AED.
See also
An AED is step D of DRSABCD. Keep doing CPR while the device is being collected and attached.
Questions & answers
Can an AED shock someone who doesn't need it?
No. An AED analyses the heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected. It is safe to use on anyone unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Can I use an AED in the rain or on a wet person?
Yes — move the person to a dry surface if you can and quickly dry the chest before applying the pads. Do not delay defibrillation.
Where do the pads go on a child?
Use paediatric pads if available. Place one pad on the front of the chest and one on the back so they don't touch. Adult pads can be used if paediatric pads are not available.
Related topics
CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is performed on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Use 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions per minute, adjusting depth and technique for adults, children and infants.
DRSABCD Action Plan
The DRSABCD action plan is the Australian Resuscitation Council's seven-step primary survey for any emergency: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
Shock (Hypovolaemic / Circulatory)
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
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