An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a life-saving device that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart during sudden cardiac arrest. This article explains how to use an AED safely, why external defibrillators matter in CPR, and how early defibrillation can dramatically increase the chance of survival in Australian workplaces, homes, schools, and childcare settings.
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Key Takeaways
- AEDs are life-saving devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest by analysing heart rhythm and delivering a shock if necessary.
- CPR and AED use together significantly increase the chance of survival.
- AEDs are easy to operate, suitable for adults and children, and guide users with clear prompts.
- Workplaces, schools, and childcare centres should consider having an AED available and ensure staff are trained in CPR.
- Early defibrillation — within the first few minutes — can double or triple survival outcomes.
Understanding AEDs: Why Automated External Defibrillators Save Lives
An AED is designed to identify life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to the heart if required. During out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces survival chances by about 10%. External defibrillators bridge this gap by guiding the bystander through AED steps clearly, even if they have never used a defibrillator before.
AEDs analyse heart rhythm automatically, advise if a shock is needed, and guide the user with voice and visual prompts. Importantly, an AED does not replace CPR — instead, CPR keeps oxygen flowing to the brain while the AED prepares to deliver a shock.
CPR and Defibrillation: How They Work Together to Save Lives
The Australian Chain of Survival
In Australia, the chain of survival for sudden cardiac arrest outlines the essential actions that significantly improve the chance of survival. Each step strengthens the next, emphasising how CPR and early defibrillation work hand-in-hand.
Early recognition
Quickly identify sudden cardiac arrest by checking for responsiveness and normal breathing. Rapid recognition triggers every other life-saving step.
Early call for help
Dial 000 immediately and request an ambulance. Have someone nearby locate and bring an AED.
Early CPR
Start CPR straight away. Effective chest compressions keep the brain and vital organs supplied with oxygen until a defibrillator is ready.
Early defibrillation
Attach the AED pads and follow the prompts. Deliver a shock if advised. Early defibrillation greatly increases survival rates.
Advanced medical care
Paramedics provide advanced treatment, stabilisation, and transport to hospital. Their care builds on the early actions taken at the scene.
AEDs are central to steps 3 and 4. CPR keeps blood circulating, while defibrillation attempts to restore a normal heart rhythm. Used together, CPR and AEDs significantly increase the chances of a person surviving a cardiac emergency.
Why CPR Alone Is Not Enough
CPR alone cannot restart the heart. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation simply buys time by circulating oxygenated blood. Defibrillation, delivered via an AED, is the only effective method for shockable cardiac arrest rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Use an AED During a Cardiac Arrest
Using an AED (automated external defibrillator) is designed to be simple: turn it on, follow the prompts, attach the pads to a bare chest, stand clear, and resume CPR when told. These steps apply to adults and, with minor adjustments such as pad placement or a “child” mode, to children as well.
Before you use the AED
- Use an AED only if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Call emergency services (000 in Australia) or direct a bystander to call and bring the nearest AED while you begin CPR.
- Start chest compressions in the centre of the chest at about 100–120 per minute and a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, and continue until the AED is ready to analyse.
Step-by-step: How to use an AED on Adults
Clear, practical steps for safe defibrillator use
Switch the AED on immediately and follow its voice or screen instructions.
Expose and quickly dry the chest, remove any medication patches or metal necklaces from the pad area, and shave excessive hair only if it stops pads sticking.
Place one pad just below the right collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest, below the armpit, making sure they do not touch.
Stop CPR and ensure nobody is touching the person while the AED analyses the heart rhythm.
If told “shock advised”, loudly say “Stand clear”, check no one is in contact, then press the shock button (or the device will shock automatically).
As soon as the shock is delivered or if “no shock advised”, resume chest compressions for about 2 minutes before the AED re-analyses.
How to use an AED on children
For children roughly 1–8 years, use paediatric pads or a “child” mode if available; if not, adult pads are still recommended rather than not using an AED.
Place one paediatric pad in the centre of the chest and the other in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades if the pads risk touching; for larger children, use the standard adult front-side placement.
Follow the same cycle: analyse, shock if advised, then 2 minutes of CPR before the next analysis.
Safety tips and key points
- Do not use an AED in standing water or if the chest is very wet; move to a dry area if possible and dry the chest quickly.
- Do not place pads directly over implanted devices (like a visible pacemaker lump) or medication patches; move the pad a few centimetres to the side and remove patches with gloved hands.
- AEDs are safe: they only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected and will not shock someone with a normal heartbeat.
- Keep the AED attached and keep following its prompts until paramedics arrive and take over.
AED Use in Childcare, Schools, and Community Settings
Children can experience cardiac arrest due to respiratory issues, trauma, or undiagnosed cardiac conditions. AEDs can be used safely on children and infants when the correct pads and placement are applied.
Childcare centres and schools often choose to have an AED onsite because early shock can make the difference between life and death.
Staff trained in CPR and AED use are better prepared to manage:
AED Training Tips: Building Confidence to Use a Defibrillator
Even though training is not legally required to use an AED, completing CPR training ensures users are confident, calm, and effective when a real emergency occurs.
Hands-on practice during nationally recognised first aid training helps learners:
Build your AED confidence — enrol in accredited CPR and first aid training with First Aid Pro today.
Workplace AED Requirements in Australia
Understanding when Australian workplaces should consider installing an AED
Not every workplace is legally required to install an AED, but Safe Work Australia strongly recommends them in medium- and high-risk environments. AEDs greatly improve survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest, and many workplaces choose to install them as part of their first aid risk management plan.
When a Workplace Should Consider an AED
Remote or high-risk sites
Workplaces with large numbers of staff or visitors
Facilities where people engage in physical work
Schools, out-of-school care, and childcare centres
Gyms, sports clubs, and community venues
AED Requirements Overview
Workplace Type | AED Recommendation | Reason |
High-risk (construction, manufacturing, mining) | Strongly recommended | Higher risk of cardiac arrest |
Childcare, schools, education | Recommended | Protecting vulnerable populations |
Retail, offices, hospitality | Recommended for large sites | High foot traffic |
Remote workplaces | Highly recommended | Delayed ambulance access |
Maintenance and Accessibility
Knowledge Test: AED & CPR Quick Quiz
Tap an answer for each question, then check your score. You can reset the quiz at any time.
1. What is the first action when you find someone unresponsive and not breathing normally?
2. When is an AED used?
3. What does an AED do?
4. Can you hurt someone with an AED?
5. What must you do immediately after an AED shock is delivered?
Protect Your Workplace or Community — Get Trained
Be prepared for cardiac emergencies — enrol in a nationally recognised first aid and CPR course with First Aid Pro and learn proper AED steps today.
Why Knowing How to Use an AED Truly Saves Lives
Learning how to use an AED is one of the most valuable first aid skills anyone can acquire. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and every second matters. When bystanders act quickly—calling 000, starting CPR, and applying an AED—they significantly increase a person’s chance of survival before paramedics arrive. AEDs are designed to be simple, safe, and effective, guiding the user step-by-step so even someone with no medical background can confidently deliver a life-saving shock if needed.
Whether you’re at home, in the workplace, at a sporting venue, or caring for children, understanding how to use an AED empowers you to take immediate action during a critical emergency. Paired with CPR, early defibrillation remains the strongest link in the chain of survival, and widespread access to AEDs across Australia continues to save countless lives.
For anyone wanting practical, hands-on confidence, enrolling in accredited first aid and CPR training ensures you know exactly what to do when every moment counts.
References
- Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) — Guidelines 2024: How to use an AED
- Safe Work Australia — First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice
- NSW Health AED Community Guidelines
- SA Health AED Community Guidelines
- Heart Foundation Australia — Defibrillation Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone use an AED in Australia?
Yes. Australian law permits any bystander to use an AED, even without formal training. The device guides users through every step.
Can you use an AED on a child or infant?
Yes. Use paediatric pads for children under eight. If unavailable, standard pads may be used with modified placement.
Do I stop CPR while the AED analyses?
Yes. The AED must analyse the rhythm without movement. Resume CPR immediately when instructed.
Can an AED hurt someone if they do not need a shock?
No. AEDs only deliver a shock when they detect a shockable rhythm.
Are workplaces required to have an AED?
Not always, but AEDs are strongly recommended in high-risk industries, childcare centres, schools, and remote workplaces.