Emergency guide: When and how to use an AED

AED, or automated external defibrillator, is widely recognized as a lifesaving device for patients suffering from cardiac arrest.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing, they are likely in cardiac arrest. Call for help immediately, dial 120, and locate the nearest AED.

Although an AED is a medical device, it can be safely used by non-professionals who have received basic training.

                                                                                         Steps to use an AED

Step 1

Turn on the AED

Turn on the device and follow the voice prompts.

Step 2

Attach electrode pads to the patient

Remove the patient's clothing and attach the electrode pads to their bare skin.

Place one pad just below the right collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple.

For children under 8 years or weighing less than 25 kg, use pediatric electrode pads or switch the device to pediatric mode.

For smaller children, place one pad on the center of the chest and the other on the center of the back to avoid overlap.

If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult pads may be used.

Step 3

Analyze heart rhythm

Once the pads are connected, the AED will automatically analyze the heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient while the AED is analyzing.

Step 4

Deliver a shock

If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will issue a voice prompt:"Charging. Do not touch the patient." Once charging is complete, the shock button will flash. Confirm that no one is touching the patient, then press the shock button. A brief full-body muscle contraction may occur.

If a non-shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will prompt,"No shock advised. Continue CPR."

Step 5

Continue CPR immediately after defibrillation

After delivering a shock, resume cardiopulmonary resuscitation without delay. The AED will automatically reanalyze the heart rhythm after 2 minutes to determine whether another shock is needed.

Continue this cycle until the patient regains a heartbeat and spontaneous breathing, or until professional emergency responders arrive.

Things to remember

Find a safe place

First, ensure that both the rescuer and the patient are in a safe environment.

Identify cardiac arrest

An AED should only be used when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally or showing only agonal gasps.

AED use does not replace CPR

The arrival of an AED does not mean stopping CPR. Continue high-quality chest compressions while retrieving, powering on, and attaching the AED pads, and resume compressions immediately after each defibrillation.

Follow the AED voice prompts

When the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering a shock, it will clearly announce: "Do not touch the patient." Immediately pause CPR and ensure that no one is in contact with the patient during this time.

Where to find it?

AEDs are typically found in high-traffic areas such as subway stations, schools, sports venues, large shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings.

Ask security personnel, customer service staff, shop attendants, or other on-site staff. They are usually aware of the AED location.

If no one is available to ask, scan the surroundings, including entrances to residential community, subway stations, and sports venues.

Sources: Red Cross Society of China, Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, IC