An automated external defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart's rhythm and, when appropriate, delivers a shock that can restart effective pumping in cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed for untrained users: turn it on, follow the voice prompts, attach the pads to the bare chest as shown on the pad diagrams, and make sure no one touches the person during analysis or shock. Use an AED the moment one is available, resuming compressions immediately after each shock or no-shock prompt. AED use always happens alongside — never instead of — calling emergency services and performing CPR.
An AED analyzes a collapsed person's heart rhythm and delivers a shock when needed to restore effective pumping. You learn to turn the device on, follow its voice prompts, attach pads to the bare che…