ST JOHN AMBULANCE: How to use an automated external defibrillator

St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity has teamed up with the Herald and Gazette to bring you some simple, but life saving, first aid tips '“ this week: using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Apr 2016, 11:00 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:00 BST
The earlier a casualty is defibrillated, the greater the chance of their survivalThe earlier a casualty is defibrillated, the greater the chance of their survival
The earlier a casualty is defibrillated, the greater the chance of their survival

An AED is an important piece of equipment that can save lives in the minutes after someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

The earlier a casualty is defibrillated, the greater the chance of their survival and these machines are becoming more widely available in public places such as shopping centres, railway stations and airports.

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The machine analyses the casualty’s heart rhythm and tells you with voice prompts what to do.

If the casualty is unresponsive and breathing is absent or agonal, prepare to use the AED.

If possible, ensure that someone is performing CPR as you do this and get someone to call 999/112 for emergency help.

Position the AED beside the casualty.

Remove any metal jewellery or medication patches from the casualty but this should not delay the application of the AED.

Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.

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Remove the electrode pads from their sealed packets and place them on the casualty’s bare chest following the instructions given with the pads.

The voice prompts will instruct you not to touch the casualty. Instruct everyone to stand clear and check that no-one is touching the casualty. Any CPR being performed should stop.

The AED will analyse the casualty’s heart rhythm and, if a shock is necessary, the machine will charge and issue a voice prompt.

Before giving the shock, double check that no-one is touching the casualty. Press the ‘Shock’ button on the AED.

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When the shock is delivered the casualty will jump – this is normal.

Keep following the voice prompts from the AED. Do not give up if the first shock seems ineffective.

• For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and the website (www.sja.org.uk) offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice. For more information about first aid courses please call 0303 003 0101.

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