Start CPR immediately. As soon as the AED is present, stop CPR and apply the electrode pads to the casualty's bare chest, following the AED’s prompts. It will tell you when to resume CPR.

CPR provides some circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the casualty's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.

AEDs are designed to save a life through a simple step-by-step instruction. They can be used by both trained and untrained rescuers.

AED’s are designed for public use and require minimal training to use. When you start your AED it will guide you through all the steps of the rescue. AEDs are designed to be simple to use for everyone.

Yes, never withhold AED use from a person in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Absolutely. But if their breasts are enlarged, you should try to avoid them when placing the defibrillator pads. This may help to ensure that the electrical current has an unimpeded route to the heart.

An AED can be deployed for all ages if this is the only available machine. Several AED’s provides a single solution for both adult and paediatric casualties of SCA, like the Mediana A15 Hearton. You can use the same sets of pads and simply activate the child mode.

Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Be sure the casualty's chest is wiped dry. Keep the electrode pads away from a damp or conductive surface.

Yes, the AED can be used in the rain. Please make sure the casualty’s chest is as dry as possible for the self-adhesive electrodes to stick properly.

Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Keep the electrode pads away from contact with the conductive surface. Be sure not to allow anyone to touch the casualty when a shock is delivered.

Successful defibrillation requires electricity to flow from one electrode pad to the other through the chest. If the electrode pads are not firmly adhered and there is sweat or another conductive material between the electrode pads, the electricity will be more likely to flow across the chest rather than through it. This will result in ineffective defibrillation and an increased chance of sparks and fire.

The chest should be fully exposed to allow placement of the disposable electrode pads. A woman's bra should be removed. Clothes may need to be cut off.

Electrode pads must come in direct contact with the skin. If the chest hair is so excessive as to prevent good adhesion of the electrode pad, the hair must be removed quickly.

Yes, even after a casualty has been successfully defibrillated, they may go back into cardiac arrest. The AED will continually monitor the casualty and automatically begin to analyse the casualty after two minutes of CPR is completed. The AED should be left on until emergency personnel assume responsibility for the casualty.

AEDs automatically assess the heart rhythm to determine whether an electrical shock is required. If a shock is not required, the defibrillator will not deliver the shock to people.