The AED operator is responsible for ensuring that the correct defibrillation process is followed; however, a more qualified and/or experienced lifesaver may be in charge of coordinating the situation and the lifesavers involved.
CPR should be commenced and continued with minimum interruption until an AED is ready to analyse. The AED operator will be in charge of the procedure. You should follow the AED operator’s instructions.
- Always check that conditions are safe for the use of an AED.
- Turn on the AED and follow the prompts.
- Apply AED pads to the victim’s chest as per AED diagrams.
- Respond to the AED prompts.
- Deliver a shock in a safe manner if prompted to do so.
- Respond to the AED prompts; this may include continuing CPR or checking the victim for normal breathing or a response.
Positioning of AED pads
Correct positioning of the AED pads is essential for successful defibrillation to take place. The optimal position is usually indicated on the AED pads or on the packaging they come in.
Place pads on the victim’s exposed chest in an anterior-lateral position — one pad slightly below the collarbone on the victim’s right chest and one pad on the victim’s left side below their armpit.
Most AED pads are ‘universal’, which means it does not matter which is placed in each position as long as both positions are covered.
Applying AED pads
The following points will help ensure effective adherence of AED pads.
- Apply AED pads after:
- cutting clothing off a victim using shears if needed to access the victim’s chest. This includes bras.
- drying the victim’s chest if required after their removal from an aquatic environment.
- removing chest hair at the site of application with a razor or wax strips if needed to allow for pad adhesion to the victim’s skin.
- Apply AED pads on clean, dry skin with a smooth rolling action to prevent air bubbles underneath.
✖ DO NOT
- use alcohol wipes to clean the skin
- reposition or remove AED pads once they have been applied.
AED pads for children and infants
Standard adult AED pads are suitable for use on victims 8 years and older. Ideally, for children under 8 years old and infants, paediatric pads and an AED with a paediatric capability should be used. These pads are placed in the same way as the adult AED pads and come with a diagram of where on the chest they should be placed.
Note:
- If the AED does not have a paediatric mode or paediatric pads — the standard adult AED pads can still be used. Apply the AED pads firmly to the bare chest in the positions shown in the diagram for adults, ensuring that they do not touch each other on the child’s chest.
- If the AED pads are too large — use the front – back position. Apply one AED pad on the upper back (between the shoulder blades) and the other on the front of the chest, if possible, slightly to the left.
