FAQs

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. An AED is a portable medical device designed to help treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively because of an abnormal electrical rhythm.

During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart quivers unproductively instead of pumping blood. This is called fibrillation. A defibrillator delivers an electrical shock designed to stop the fibrillation and give the heart an opportunity to return to a normal rhythm.

The word “automated” refers to the AED’s ability to automatically analyze the heart’s electrical rhythm and determine whether a shock is appropriate. It does not necessarily mean the AED delivers the shock automatically. With a semi-automatic AED, the device tells the rescuer when to press the shock button; a fully automatic AED delivers the shock itself.

The word “external” means the defibrillation is delivered from outside the body. Adhesive electrode pads are placed on the person’s bare chest, allowing the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and, when appropriate, deliver electrical current through the chest to the heart.

AEDs are designed for use by the general public as well as trained responders. They provide step-by-step voice and visual instructions throughout the rescue.

An AED is used to help treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a life-threatening emergency in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively.

AEDs are generally intended to let lay responders and other non-EMS rescuers provide defibrillation within the first critical minutes of a cardiac arrest, before emergency medical services can arrive with a manual monitor/defibrillator and more advanced resuscitation equipment.

When a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, an AED can be attached to the chest using electrode pads. The AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if it detects a shockable rhythm, instructs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock - or delivers the shock automatically, depending on the AED model. The shock interrupts the abnormal electrical activity so the heart’s natural electrical system has an opportunity to reestablish an effective rhythm.

Because every minute without defibrillation can reduce the chance of survival, having an AED immediately available can allow treatment to begin well before EMS arrives. AEDs are designed for use by members of the general public as well as trained responders and provide step-by-step voice and visual instructions throughout the rescue.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs.

A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest will typically collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing normally. SCA is most often caused by an abnormal electrical rhythm in the heart.

Without blood flow, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain cells begin to die within minutes. If an effective heart rhythm and circulation are not restored quickly, permanent brain damage and death can result. This is why sudden cardiac arrest generally cannot wait for an ambulance to arrive.

Immediate CPR and use of an AED are critical. CPR helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs, while an AED can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock when appropriate to help restore an effective heartbeat.

A heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are different medical emergencies.

A heart attack is primarily a circulation problem. It happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. During a heart attack, the heart typically continues beating, and the person may remain conscious and breathing.

Sudden cardiac arrest is primarily an electrical problem. It occurs when the heart suddenly develops an abnormal rhythm and can no longer pump blood effectively. The person typically collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing normally.

A heart attack can sometimes trigger sudden cardiac arrest, but the two are not the same. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible.

If someone collapses and is unresponsive, check whether they are breathing normally. Look for the chest to rise and fall, and listen for normal breathing by placing your ear near their mouth and nose. Gasping or irregular, abnormal breaths should not be considered normal breathing.

Sudden cardiac arrest often happens without warning. If someone suddenly collapses, does not respond, and is not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible.

Do not wait to determine whether the person is having a heart attack or another medical emergency. An AED will analyze the person’s heart rhythm and will only advise or deliver a shock when appropriate.

An AED works by analyzing the heart’s electrical rhythm and determining whether the person is experiencing a rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or certain forms of ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Despite the common idea that an AED “shocks the heart back to life,” that is not quite what happens. During ventricular fibrillation, the heart’s electrical activity is chaotic, causing the heart muscle to quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. A defibrillation shock delivers a brief electrical current through the heart that simultaneously depolarizes a large portion of the heart muscle, interrupting - or “clearing” - the chaotic electrical activity. This gives the heart’s natural electrical system an opportunity to reestablish an organized rhythm.

In other words, the AED does not supply energy to make a stopped heart begin beating. In fact, an AED generally will not shock a heart that has no electrical activity, known as asystole or “flatline.” It delivers a shock only when it detects a rhythm for which defibrillation may be effective.

To use an AED, the rescuer turns it on, places the electrode pads on the person’s bare chest, and follows the device’s voice and visual instructions. The AED analyzes the rhythm and, if a shockable rhythm is detected, either instructs the rescuer to press the shock button or delivers the shock automatically, depending on the model. CPR should then be resumed immediately as directed by the AED.

Yes. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, including children, teenagers, athletes, and adults who appear healthy and have no known history of heart disease.

The risk increases with age and is higher in people with coronary artery disease, prior heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or certain inherited electrical or structural heart conditions. In younger people, sudden cardiac arrest is more often associated with congenital or inherited heart abnormalities, myocarditis, or a sudden blow to the chest that disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm.

In some cases, sudden cardiac arrest is the first indication that a person has an underlying heart condition. Because it can occur unexpectedly and without warning, AEDs are placed in workplaces, schools, gyms, public buildings, and other locations so that defibrillation can begin within minutes rather than waiting for EMS to arrive.

Sudden cardiac arrest is extremely time-sensitive because the heart is no longer pumping blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs. With each minute that passes without an AED, the chance of survival drops by approximately 10%. AED123’s experience shows a dramatic difference in outcomes: 93% of sudden cardiac arrest victims treated with an AED have been saved, compared with just 9% without an AED.

That is why the location and accessibility of an AED matter so much. Most sudden cardiac arrest victims can be saved if an AED is attached within three minutes, but an ambulance may take 10 minutes or longer to arrive. An AED allows a nearby employee, coworker, teacher, family member, or other lay responder to begin lifesaving treatment during those critical first minutes rather than waiting for EMS to arrive with a monitor/defibrillator.

There are approximately 400,000 cardiac arrest incidents each year in the United States, and sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of out-of-hospital death. Having a properly maintained AED close enough to reach and use within minutes can therefore make the difference between a cardiac arrest becoming a fatality or a survivor.

In some locations and for some types of facilities, yes. There is no single nationwide law requiring every business or public building to have an AED, but federal, state, and local laws can require AEDs in specific settings. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction and may apply to locations such as schools, fitness facilities, government buildings, certain workplaces, airports, and other public facilities. The FAA, for example, requires AEDs on certain large passenger aircraft.

AED laws also address more than simply whether an organization must purchase an AED. Once an AED is installed, applicable laws may establish requirements for maintenance and testing, employee training, EMS notification or registration, medical oversight, emergency response planning, or reporting after an AED is used. These requirements differ from state to state and can also be affected by local ordinances.

Because AED requirements are location- and facility-specific, organizations should evaluate the laws that apply to each of their locations rather than assuming that one rule applies nationwide. Even where an AED is not legally required, many organizations choose to have one because sudden cardiac arrest requires treatment within minutes - generally well before EMS can arrive.

AED laws vary significantly by state - and sometimes by city or county. Some laws require certain types of facilities to have an AED, while others establish requirements that apply after an organization acquires or installs an AED.

Depending on the jurisdiction, an AED program may need to address requirements such as physician or medical oversight, CPR/AED training, registration or notification of local EMS, routine inspection and maintenance, recordkeeping, and reporting after an AED is used. For example, some states expressly require training for anticipated AED users, while medical direction is required in some form in many states. Requirements can also be quite detailed: Delaware, for example, regulates program registration, training, equipment standards, maintenance, and AED program administration.

All states provide some form of Good Samaritan protection for AED use, but the scope of that protection and the conditions for receiving it vary by state.

Because AED laws change and local requirements may supplement state law, organizations with AEDs in multiple locations should evaluate the requirements applicable to each location, rather than relying on a single nationwide standard. AED123 helps customers identify and manage the AED compliance requirements applicable to their programs.

There is no single nationwide rule requiring every business or facility to have an AED. AED placement requirements are established through a combination of federal, state, and local laws, so the types of facilities required to have AEDs vary by location.

Depending on the jurisdiction, AED mandates may apply to facilities such as schools and universities, health clubs and fitness centers, athletic facilities, government buildings, airports, casinos or other gaming facilities, and certain large or high-occupancy buildings. The CDC has identified schools, fitness and athletic facilities, and state-owned or occupied buildings among the most common types of locations addressed by state AED-placement laws.

The requirements can also be very specific. A law might apply only when a facility exceeds a certain occupancy, building size, number of floors, membership level, or other threshold. For example, Washington requires qualifying fitness centers to acquire and maintain at least one AED, along with related training, maintenance, and EMS-notification requirements.

Organizations should therefore evaluate AED requirements based on both the type and location of each facility. A business with locations in several states - or even several cities within the same state - may have different AED requirements at different locations. Even where an AED is not legally mandated, many workplaces and public facilities choose to install AEDs so lifesaving defibrillation can begin before EMS arrives.

Installing an AED is only the first step. Once an AED is placed, the organization may have ongoing maintenance, documentation, training, medical oversight, EMS registration, and post-use reporting requirements, depending on the state and local jurisdiction.

Common AED program requirements include keeping the device ready for use, routinely inspecting it, replacing electrode pads and batteries before they expire, following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, and maintaining records of inspections and service. Some jurisdictions also require the AED to be registered with or reported to local EMS, physician or medical-director oversight, and current CPR/AED training for designated personnel.

If an AED is used during an emergency, additional steps may be required. These can include notifying the appropriate authorities, downloading and preserving the AED’s event data, submitting a post-use report, having the event medically reviewed, replacing used electrode pads and other supplies, and confirming that the AED is ready to be returned to service. Post-use documentation and medical review are common components of professionally managed AED programs.

The exact requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, so organizations should not assume that purchasing and mounting an AED completes their legal responsibilities. A properly managed AED program should address both regulatory compliance and ongoing device readiness so the AED is actually prepared to work when it is needed.

In many states, yes. AED laws often require some form of physician oversight or medical direction for an organization’s AED program, although the exact requirement varies by jurisdiction. AED123’s internal compliance review has found that medical direction is required in some form in most states.

Medical direction generally means that a licensed physician provides clinical oversight for the AED program. Depending on state law, this may include authorizing the AED program, reviewing policies and procedures, helping ensure the program follows applicable medical protocols, and reviewing AED use after a cardiac arrest event. Some jurisdictions also tie physician oversight to EMS registration, training, or post-event reporting requirements. For example, Maryland AED program requirements can include physician oversight, post-event reporting, and training-record maintenance.

The requirement is not identical in every state, so organizations should determine what applies at each AED location. Even where physician oversight is not specifically mandated, many organizations include medical direction as part of a professionally managed AED program to support clinical review, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

AED123 Service Plans and Support Plans include physician oversight as part of AED123's AED program management services, helping customers satisfy applicable medical-direction requirements without having to arrange this independently.

In many jurisdictions, yes. State or local AED laws may require an organization to notify or register its AED with local EMS, a state EMS office, a public safety agency, or another designated authority. The purpose is generally to make local emergency responders aware of AED locations and to help ensure the AED program meets applicable requirements.

The exact process varies by jurisdiction. Some states require formal AED program registration, while others require only notification of the AED’s location or other program information. Maryland, for example, can require AED program registration with the appropriate authorities, while other jurisdictions may impose different registration or documentation requirements.

Registration requirements can also change when an AED is added, moved, replaced, or removed, so organizations should keep their AED records current rather than treating registration as a one-time task.

Because these requirements differ by location, organizations should determine what applies to each AED site. AED123 handles required EMS and agency registration as part of its AED program management services.

Sometimes. CPR/AED training requirements vary by state, and not every state requires formal training simply because an organization owns an AED. Some states, however, specifically require anticipated or designated AED users to complete CPR and AED training. AED123’s compliance review has identified explicit training requirements in states including Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Even where training is not legally required, organizations should still have employees who know how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, call 911, perform high-quality CPR, and retrieve and use the AED. An AED provides step-by-step instructions, but training helps responders act more quickly and confidently during an emergency.

The important distinction is that an untrained person can still use an AED in an emergency. AEDs are designed for lay responders and will analyze the victim’s heart rhythm before advising or delivering a shock. Training requirements generally relate to an organization’s AED program or its expected responders - not to whether a bystander is permitted to use the AED to try to save someone’s life.

AED compliance generally requires more than simply owning the device. Organizations should have a process to regularly inspect each AED, maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, replace batteries and electrode pads before they expire, and document that these activities were completed. Applicable state or local law may impose additional requirements.

A typical AED inspection confirms that the device shows a ready or operational status, the battery and electrode pads are installed and within their expiration dates, required accessories are present, and the AED and cabinet have not been damaged or tampered with. The industry standard - and widely accepted best practice - is to perform and document AED inspections monthly.

Organizations should also maintain records that can demonstrate the AED program has been properly managed. Depending on the jurisdiction, these may include AED serial numbers and locations, inspection logs, battery and pad expiration and replacement records, maintenance and repair history, training records, medical-direction documentation, EMS registration records, and documentation of any AED use. Formal AED programs commonly maintain inspection and maintenance records specifically so readiness and compliance can be demonstrated during an EMS review, audit, or legal inquiry.

After an AED is used, additional documentation may be required, including preserving the AED’s electronic event data, documenting the rescue, completing any required post-event report or medical review, and replacing used supplies before returning the AED to service.

The exact inspection schedule and recordkeeping requirements vary by state and locality, but the underlying objective is the same: be able to demonstrate that the AED was properly maintained, ready for use, and managed in accordance with applicable law and manufacturer requirements.

Good Samaritan laws are intended to encourage people to provide emergency assistance without fear of ordinary civil liability. Every state provides some form of Good Samaritan protection that can apply to AED use, although who is protected and the conditions for receiving that protection vary by state. AED123’s state-law review confirms that Good Samaritan protection exists in some form nationwide.

For the person using the AED, these laws generally provide substantial protection when the rescuer acts in good faith during a medical emergency. Protection typically does not extend to conduct involving gross negligence, reckless or willful misconduct, or other serious wrongdoing.

Protections for the business, organization, or other entity that owns or acquires the AED can be more conditional. Federal law, for example, provides civil-liability protection to both AED users and AED acquirers, but an acquirer’s protection can depend on properly maintaining and testing the AED, notifying the appropriate local emergency-response authority of its placement, and providing appropriate training in certain circumstances. State laws may impose different or additional conditions.

This is one reason proper AED program management matters. Owning an AED does not automatically create liability - and having an AED generally provides important legal protections - but organizations should still comply with applicable maintenance, training, medical-direction, registration, and documentation requirements to preserve the protections available under their state’s law.

After an AED is used, the organization should follow a defined post-event process to preserve the rescue information, satisfy any reporting requirements, and return the AED to service as quickly as possible.

Once EMS has taken over care of the patient, the organization should notify its AED program manager or service provider and, where applicable, its medical director. The AED’s electronic event data should be preserved and downloaded because it may contain the patient’s heart rhythm, shock history, timestamps, and other information useful to EMS, the treating physician, or the program’s medical director. Applicable laws or program requirements may also require a post-event report or medical review.

The AED itself should then be inspected and restored to ready status. Used electrode pads must be replaced, the battery should be checked and replaced if necessary, and the device and accessories should be cleaned, inspected for damage, and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some organizations use a replacement or loaner AED while the deployed unit is being evaluated so the location does not remain without AED coverage.

The organization should also document what occurred, including the AED use, post-event inspection, replacement of supplies, any required reporting, and confirmation that the AED has been returned to service. An AED should not simply be placed back in its cabinet after a rescue without completing the appropriate post-use review and readiness checks.

There is no universal formula based solely on employee count or square footage. The appropriate number of AEDs depends primarily on whether an AED can be reached quickly from anywhere people may be located at the property.

A practical placement rule is that an AED should be within approximately a one-minute brisk walk of any location within the property or facility. This allows a responder to reach the AED, return to the victim, and begin using it within the first critical minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest.

Actual walking routes matter. Walls, locked doors, stairs, elevators, security checkpoints, large warehouses, multiple floors, outdoor areas, and separate buildings can all increase the number of AEDs required. A small single-story office may need only one centrally located AED, while a large warehouse, multi-story building, school, manufacturing facility, or campus may require several.

Applicable state or local laws may also establish minimum AED quantities or specific placement requirements. The appropriate number of AEDs should therefore be based on one-minute walking coverage, facility layout, accessibility, occupancy patterns, and applicable legal requirements.

AEDs should be placed in highly visible, easily accessible, and easy-to-remember locations where they can be reached quickly during a cardiac emergency. A practical placement rule is that an AED should be within approximately a one-minute brisk walk of any location within the property or facility.

Placement should be based on actual walking routes and building layout. Walls, stairs, elevators, locked doors, security checkpoints, separate buildings, and large outdoor areas can all increase retrieval time. AED placement planning should therefore consider accessibility, building layout, high-traffic areas, and response time - not simply choose the geometric center of a facility.

AEDs should generally be installed in public or common areas that people can easily remember and identify, and they should be accessible whenever the facility is occupied. Wall cabinets and prominent AED signage can help employees and visitors locate the device quickly.

For larger or multi-story facilities, multiple AEDs may be necessary to maintain the one-minute walking standard. The best AED location is one that is easy to remember, easy to find, and minimizes the time between a person’s collapse and application of the AED pads.

An AED should ideally be within a one-minute brisk walk of any location in the facility, allowing it to be retrieved and brought back to the victim within about two minutes.

Because survival decreases rapidly with each minute defibrillation is delayed, AEDs should be placed where they are easy to remember, easy to find, and immediately accessible whenever the facility is occupied.

In most fixed locations, AEDs should be stored in a clearly marked, easily accessible wall cabinet. A cabinet helps protect the AED, makes its location permanent and easy to remember, and makes the device more visible during an emergency.

For portable AEDs or AEDs kept in vehicles, a protective carrying case is also appropriate. The important consideration is that the AED has a consistent, known location and can be accessed immediately when needed.

AED123 recommends alarmed cabinets in most public and workplace settings. The audible alarm can deter theft, discourage children or others from tampering with the AED, and alert nearby employees or other responders that the AED has been removed and someone may need help.

The cabinet should never create a barrier to emergency access. An AED should be immediately available without requiring a key, code, or permission from another person.

AED locations should be identified with highly visible signage using the recognized AED symbol and the letters “AED.” The goal is for employees, visitors, and other responders to recognize and locate the device immediately during an emergency.

For wall-mounted AEDs, AED123 generally recommends a projecting wall sign above the cabinet so the location can be seen when approaching from either direction.

Signage should be prominent, unobstructed, easy to understand, and consistent throughout the facility. The objective is not simply to mark the AED after someone reaches it - it is to help a responder find the AED quickly when every second matters.

AEDs should be mounted at a height that makes them easy to see and accessible to people of different heights and abilities. As a general rule, AED123 recommends that the cabinet handle or other point used to access the AED be no more than 48 inches above the finished floor. The ADA Standards establish 48 inches as the maximum unobstructed forward or side reach for accessible operable parts.

The 48-inch measurement applies to the handle used to open the cabinet - not the top of the cabinet. Wall-mounted objects in circulation paths are also generally limited to a maximum projection of four inches when mounted above 27 inches. AED123’s standard AED cabinets are less than four inches deep, helping them comply with this accessibility requirement.

Local building or accessibility codes may impose additional requirements, so the final mounting location should be evaluated as part of the facility installation.

A complete AED station should include the AED itself, a clearly marked cabinet or other designated storage location, visible AED signage, and a Fast Response Kit containing supplies that may be needed during a cardiac emergency. AED123’s standard installations include the AED, cabinet, signage, and Fast Response Kit.

AED123’s standard Fast Response Kit includes scissors, a razor, a CPR mask, a rag for drying the person’s chest, and disposable gloves. These items help the responder expose and prepare the chest for electrode-pad placement, provide CPR, and protect the responder during the rescue.

Where appropriate, the station may also include pediatric electrode pads or a pediatric-use accessory, depending on the AED model, expected population, and applicable requirements.

For larger facilities, each floor or building should generally be evaluated as its own AED coverage area. The goal remains the same: an AED should be within approximately a one-minute brisk walk of any location where people may be present.

In multi-story buildings, organizations should generally avoid relying on an AED located on another floor, since stairs, elevators, locked areas, and building layout can add critical response time. Separate buildings will typically need their own AEDs unless they are close enough to maintain the one-minute walking standard.

For organizations with multiple locations, AED placement should be evaluated site by site, considering building layout, accessibility, occupancy, high-traffic areas, and response time. Whenever possible, organizations should also use consistent cabinet locations, signage, and placement conventions across facilities so employees know where to look for an AED in an emergency.

If an organization manages its AED program internally, it should have an AED Program Coordinator with overall responsibility for inspections, maintenance, replacement supplies, compliance, documentation, training requirements, and post-use procedures.

Regardless of how the program is managed, a best practice is to have one clearly identified person responsible for each AED. This creates accountability and helps ensure that changes in location, damage, missing equipment, or other readiness issues are identified and addressed. Large AED programs commonly use designated site coordinators or liaisons for this purpose.

With an AED123 Full-Service Plan, all of this work can be outsourced to AED123, including monthly inspections, battery and pad replacement, compliance management, physician oversight, EMS registration, recordkeeping, and post-use support.

With an AED123 Support Plan, the organization designates an AED Manager for each AED to perform the monthly inspection using the AED123 app, while AED123 provides inspection reminders and follow-up, replacement batteries and pads, reporting, medical direction, EMS registration, and post-use support.

A complete AED program should ensure that every AED remains ready, compliant, accessible, and supported throughout its life. Purchasing and mounting the device is only the beginning.

An effective program should include regular documented inspections, battery and electrode-pad replacement, monitoring for recalls and software updates, physician oversight where required, EMS registration or notification, required recordkeeping, and post-use reporting and support. These are all components of AED123’s managed AED programs.

The program should also establish clear responsibility for each AED, maintain accurate device and location records, address applicable CPR/AED training requirements, and have a defined process for responding after an AED is used. Ongoing AED programs commonly include maintenance, inspection tracking, consumable replacement, documentation, and compliance management.

Organizations can manage these responsibilities internally, use an AED123 Support Plan to manage them with AED123’s assistance, or outsource all day-to-day responsibilities through an AED123 Full-Service Plan.

The industry standard - and widely accepted best practice - is to perform and document an AED inspection once each month. AED123 uses monthly inspections for both its Full-Service and Support Plans.

A monthly inspection should confirm that the AED is in its designated location, accessible and undamaged, displaying a ready status, and equipped with unexpired electrode pads, a functioning battery, and the appropriate response supplies. The inspection should also be documented so the organization can demonstrate that the AED has been routinely monitored.

Modern AEDs perform automatic internal self-tests, but those self-tests do not confirm that the AED is still physically present, accessible, undamaged, or stocked with the proper supplies. An AED should also be inspected after any use, whenever it reports a fault or warning, or whenever there is reason to believe it has been moved, damaged, or tampered with.

An AED inspection should confirm that the device is present, accessible, undamaged, and ready for immediate use. The inspections should generally verify:

• The AED is in its designated location.
• The AED’s status or readiness indicator shows that the device is operational.
• The AED has not been used since the previous inspection without being restored to service
• The electrode pads and battery are installed properly and have not expired or reached their required replacement date.
• The AED, cabinet, and carrying case, if applicable, show no visible damage or signs of tampering.
• The Fast Response Kit and other required accessories are present and complete.
• The cabinet alarm is functioning as intended.

AED maintenance programs should also monitor pad and battery expiration dates, review the cabinet and surrounding environment, perform additional functional checks required by the manufacturer, and document completed inspections.

Each inspection should be documented, including when it was completed, who completed it, and any problem identified or corrective action required. Digital inspection systems can also provide reminders, expiration tracking, readiness records, and an audit trail.

Most AEDs have a visual readiness or status indicator that shows whether the device has passed its automatic self-tests and is ready for an emergency. Depending on the model, this may be a green check mark, flashing green light, “OK” symbol, or similar ready indication. For example, ZOLL AEDs use a green check mark, while the LIFEPAK CR2 uses a flashing green readiness light.

A ready AED should also have its battery and electrode pads properly installed and within their replacement or expiration dates, be free from visible damage, and have no warning tones or error messages. AEDs should be inspected regularly because the device’s internal self-tests cannot confirm every aspect of readiness, such as whether the AED is still in its designated location or physically accessible.

If the AED displays a red X, blank or warning indicator, error message, or recurring beep or chirp, it may require attention and should be evaluated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

AED electrode pads have a limited shelf life because the conductive adhesive gel can dry out over time. Most AED pads last approximately two to five years, depending on the manufacturer and pad model. The expiration date is printed on the pad package, and pads should be replaced before that date.

AED pads should also be replaced after they are used on a patient, even if no shock was delivered. They should be replaced if the package is opened or damaged, the pads are recalled, or the manufacturer otherwise directs replacement. AED programs should track pad expiration dates and replace pads proactively so an expired or opened pad set is never left with the device.

AED battery life varies by manufacturer, AED model, battery type, and how often the device is used. Most AED batteries have a standby life of two to five years.

AED batteries should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule, and sooner if the AED indicates a low-battery condition, fails a self-test, or is used enough to significantly reduce the remaining battery capacity. Battery condition should also be checked after an AED is used.

A properly managed AED program should track battery replacement dates so replacement occurs before the battery can compromise device readiness. AED123 includes battery monitoring and replacement as part of its ongoing AED service programs.

A beeping AED, warning light, red indicator, or other alert generally means the device has detected a condition that requires attention. Do not ignore the warning or assume the AED is ready for use until the issue has been identified and resolved. First confirm that the sound is actually coming from the AED rather than the AED cabinet alarm.

Check the AED’s status indicator and follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions. Common causes include a low or improperly installed battery, expired or improperly connected electrode pads, or an internal device fault. AED maintenance and corrective action should be performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the AED does not return to its normal ready status, the issue should be reported promptly and the device repaired or replaced. Organizations should have a process for addressing readiness alerts and providing a replacement or loaner AED when necessary so the location does not remain without working AED coverage. AED123 customers should contact AED123 whenever an AED is beeping or displaying a warning so we can troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

If your AED is covered by an AED123 Service Plan or Support Plan, contact AED123 at 1-833-AED-1231 or support@aed123.com so we can help identify the issue and return the AED to ready status as quickly as possible.

Sometimes. AED software and firmware do not generally need to be updated on a fixed schedule, but manufacturers do release updates to address safety notices or recalls, correct device issues, or incorporate changes to CPR and resuscitation guidelines.

Whether an update is required - and how it is deployed - depends on the AED manufacturer and model.

A properly managed AED program should monitor manufacturer notices, recalls, and available software or firmware updates and install applicable updates when required. Ongoing AED program specifications commonly include installation of manufacturer software and firmware updates as part of device maintenance.

AED123 Service and Support Plans include assistance with applicable AED software updates, including updates associated with recalls or CPR guideline changes.

Organizations should maintain records that show each AED has been regularly inspected, properly maintained, and kept ready for use. At a minimum, records should generally include the AED’s manufacturer, model, serial number, exact location, inspection history, battery and electrode-pad expiration or replacement dates, and any maintenance or repairs performed.

Each inspection record should document when the inspection occurred, who completed it, the AED’s readiness status, and any issue identified or corrective action taken. Maintenance systems should also retain a history of battery and pad replacements, repairs, software or firmware updates, recalls, and other service activity.

If an AED is used in an emergency, the program should also retain the appropriate post-use documentation, including event reports, device evaluation or service records, and confirmation that the AED was restored to ready status.

Record-retention requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so organizations should follow applicable state and local requirements rather than assuming there is one universal retention period.

After EMS has taken over care of the patient, the organization should begin its post-use process immediately. The AED program manager or service provider should be notified, and the AED’s electronic event data should be preserved and downloaded. That data may be needed for required reporting, medical review, or analysis of the rescue.

The AED should then be inspected and restored to ready status. Used electrode pads must be replaced, the battery should be evaluated and replaced if necessary, and the AED should be cleaned, inspected, and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the AED must be removed for evaluation or data download, a loaner or replacement AED should be provided whenever possible so the location remains protected.

The event should also be properly documented, including any required post-use report, medical review, AED event report, maintenance performed, and confirmation that the AED has been returned to service. Post-event documentation and medical review are common components of managed AED programs.

AED123 Service and Support Plan customers should contact AED123 as soon as possible after an AED is used. AED123 coordinates the post-use process, including event-data retrieval, reporting and medical review, replacement supplies, and restoring AED coverage.

Organizations with AEDs across multiple sites should manage them through a centralized AED program rather than treating each location independently. The program should maintain a current inventory of every AED, including its location, serial number, readiness status, battery and pad replacement dates, inspection history, and any maintenance or post-use activity. Large AED programs also benefit from centralized reporting and dashboards that provide visibility into the readiness of the entire AED fleet.

Each AED should also have a clearly identified local AED Manager or owner, with standardized inspection procedures and a system for reminders, escalation of missed inspections, replacement of expiring batteries and pads, and resolution of readiness problems. AED123’s Support Plan, for example, allows AED Managers at each location to complete monthly inspections through the AED123 app while AED123 manages reminders, replacement supplies, reporting, medical direction, EMS registration, and post-use support.

Organizations that do not want employees managing these day-to-day responsibilities can use an AED123 Full-Service Plan to outsource all day-to-day AED program responsibilities to AED123. For multi-state organizations, the program should also account for differing state and local compliance requirements at each location.

AED123 is an AED program management company that helps businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations purchase, install, maintain, and manage Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

AED123 services can include AED selection and purchasing, placement planning, cabinet and signage installation, monthly inspections, battery and electrode-pad replacement, troubleshooting and software updates, physician oversight, EMS registration, compliance documentation, post-use support, and CPR/AED training.

Organizations can choose an AED123 Full-Service Plan, which allows them to outsource all day-to-day AED program responsibilities to AED123, or an AED123 Support Plan, where designated AED Managers perform monthly inspections using the AED123 app while AED123 provides reminders, replacement supplies, reporting, medical direction, EMS registration, software-update assistance, and post-use support.

The objective is to make AED ownership simple while helping ensure that every AED remains accessible, properly maintained, compliant, and ready for use when a cardiac emergency occurs.

An AED Service Plan is an ongoing program that helps ensure an organization’s AEDs remain properly maintained, compliant, and ready for use. Rather than relying on employees to remember inspections, expiration dates, regulatory requirements, and post-use procedures, these responsibilities are managed through a structured service program.

With an AED123 Full-Service Plan, organizations can outsource all day-to-day AED program responsibilities to AED123. AED123 technicians perform monthly in-person AED inspections, resolve identified issues, replace batteries and electrode pads when needed, provide software updates and loaner AEDs, and maintain program documentation.

The plan also includes services such as physician oversight, EMS registration, monthly reporting, post-use reporting and support, insurance coverage, and customer support.

The objective is to give the organization a single, professionally managed program for its AEDs, while helping ensure each device is ready when it is needed.

An AED Support Plan is an administrated self-service AED management program that helps organizations keep their AEDs maintained, documented, and compliant while their own employees perform the routine physical inspections.

With an AED123 Support Plan, each AED is assigned an AED Manager who completes a monthly inspection using the AED123 mobile app. AED123 provides inspection reminders and follow-up, tracks the program, and provides monthly reporting on AED readiness and completed inspections.

AED123 also provides the support needed around those inspections, including replacement batteries and electrode pads, software-update assistance, physician oversight, EMS registration, post-use reporting and support, AED loaners, insurance coverage, and customer service.

The Support Plan is designed for organizations that are comfortable having their own staff perform the monthly AED checks but want AED123 to provide the systems, supplies, compliance support, and ongoing oversight needed to keep the program on track.

The primary difference is who performs the routine AED inspections and handles the day-to-day management of the devices.

With an AED Service Plan, AED123 provides full-service, in-person AED management. AED123 technicians visit each AED monthly to inspect the device, document its readiness, resolve identified issues, and replace batteries, electrode pads, and other service items as needed. Organizations can effectively outsource all day-to-day AED program responsibilities to AED123.

An AED Support Plan is an administrated self-service AED management program. The organization designates an AED Manager for each AED who completes a monthly inspection using the AED123 mobile app. AED123 administers the program by providing inspection reminders and follow-up, replacement batteries and pads, monthly reporting, software-update assistance, physician oversight, EMS registration, AED loaners, and post-use support.

In short, with a Service Plan, AED123 performs the monthly inspection in person; with a Support Plan, the customer performs the inspection using AED123’s app while AED123 administers and supports the overall program.

The right plan primarily depends on whether you want your employees or AED123 to perform the routine physical inspections of your AEDs.

An AED Service Plan is generally the better fit if you want to outsource all day-to-day AED program responsibilities to AED123. AED123 technicians perform the monthly inspections, replace batteries and pads as needed, troubleshoot problems, provide post-use support, and maintain program reporting.

An AED Support Plan is an administrated self-service AED management program and is generally a better fit if your organization has employees at each AED location who can reliably perform a quick monthly inspection. AED Managers use the AED123 app to complete those inspections, while AED123 provides reminders and follow-up, replacement supplies, reporting, software-update assistance, physician oversight, EMS registration, loaners, and post-use support.

In simple terms, choose a Service Plan if you want AED123 to handle the AEDs in person. Choose a Support Plan if your organization is comfortable performing the monthly physical checks while AED123 administers and supports the overall program.

Yes. AED123 provides nationwide AED program management through its AED Support Plans, allowing organizations anywhere in the United States to manage AEDs through a single, standardized program.

AED123 also offers in-person AED Service Plans in its field-service markets. Organizations with locations both inside and outside those markets can combine Service and Support Plans to maintain a consistent AED program across multiple locations and states.

Under an AED Service Plan, AED123 performs the inspections. An AED123 technician visits the location each month to inspect the AED, document its readiness, and address maintenance issues that are identified.

Under an AED Support Plan, the customer performs the monthly inspection. A designated AED Manager for each AED completes the inspection using the AED123 mobile app, while AED123 administers the program through reminders, follow-up, reporting, replacement supplies, and other ongoing support.

In short: Service Plan = AED123 performs the monthly inspection; Support Plan = your AED Manager performs the monthly inspection using the AED123 app.

Yes. You do not need to purchase your AEDs from AED123 to enroll them in an AED123 Service Plan or Support Plan. AED123 specifically provides service plans for AEDs customers already own, including devices originally purchased from another distributor.

AED123 services all FDA-approved AED models, so organizations with mixed fleets can bring multiple brands and models under one managed program.

AED123 can also continue servicing many discontinued AED models as long as the device remains FDA approved and the manufacturer continues to make the required batteries and electrode pads available. If an existing AED is no longer supportable or should be replaced, AED123 can identify that during the transition into the program.

No. AEDs do not need to be purchased from AED123 to be enrolled in an AED123 Service Plan or Support Plan. AED123 can manage AEDs your organization already owns, including devices originally purchased from another distributor.

AED123 Service and Support Plans can be added when purchasing new AEDs or applied to an organization’s existing AED fleet.

AED123 services all FDA-approved AED models and can generally continue servicing older or discontinued models as long as the device remains FDA approved and the manufacturer continues to provide the necessary batteries and electrode pads.

Yes. Both AED123 Service Plans and Support Plans include the cost of all AED electrode pad and battery replacements needed for covered AEDs during the term of the plan.

With an AED Service Plan, AED123 technicians identify expiring or depleted supplies during monthly in-person inspections and replace them as part of the service.

With an AED Support Plan, AED123 tracks pad and battery replacement needs and ships replacement supplies to the customer at no additional charge, while the organization’s AED Manager performs the monthly inspection using the AED123 app.

This also includes replacements needed after an AED is used in an emergency, helping ensure the device can be restored to ready status without an unexpected pad or battery expense.

Yes. AED123 can manage single-site, multi-site, and multi-state AED programs, including organizations with large AED fleets spread across many locations.

Organizations can use a combination of AED Service Plans and AED Support Plans based on the needs of each location. AED123 can centralize AED inventory, inspection tracking, battery and pad replacement, physician oversight, EMS registration, post-use support, and other program requirements.

Importantly, AED123 reporting combines all AEDs across all plan types and all states into a single program view. Whether an AED is covered by a Service Plan or Support Plan, the organization can receive consolidated reporting across its entire AED fleet.

This allows multi-location organizations to maintain a consistent, centrally managed AED program while still addressing the different compliance requirements that may apply in each state or local jurisdiction.

AEDs in an AED123 Plan can be owned either by AED123 or by the customer.

Customers can choose a plan that includes AED123-provided equipment, in which case AED123 owns the AEDs it deploys and is responsible for maintaining them. This allows organizations to have AEDs available without taking on the responsibility associated with owning and maintaining the equipment themselves.

AED123 can also provide Service Plans and Support Plans for AEDs that the customer purchases or already owns. Customers can choose whichever ownership structure works best for their organization.

The right AED depends on your budget, where the AED will be used, and who is most likely to use it. All FDA-approved AEDs are designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, but models differ significantly in price, features, and ease of operation.

Cost is often one of the primary considerations, particularly when purchasing multiple AEDs. Beyond price, two of the most important features to evaluate are ease of use and speed-to-shock. During a cardiac emergency, the best AED is one that helps a responder move quickly and confidently from turning on the device to delivering a shock when one is advised.

Other considerations may include pediatric capability, semi-automatic versus fully automatic operation, bilingual instructions, CPR coaching or feedback, connectivity, size and weight, and the environment in which the AED will be stored and used.

AED123 distributes and services all FDA-approved AEDs and can help organizations compare models based on their budget, locations, expected users, existing AED fleet, and desired features. The objective is to select an AED that is affordable, easy to use, and capable of helping a responder deliver defibrillation as quickly as possible.

Most new FDA-approved AEDs for workplaces and public-access settings cost approximately $1,300 to $2,500 per device, depending on the manufacturer, model, and features.

AED prices vary based on features such as ease of use, speed-to-shock, fully automatic versus semi-automatic operation, pediatric capability, CPR feedback, bilingual instructions, and cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Cabinets, signage, carrying cases, and other accessories can also affect the initial purchase price.

Organizations purchasing multiple AEDs may qualify for volume discounts. If the AED is enrolled in an AED123 Service Plan or Support Plan, the cost of all replacement electrode pads and batteries is included in the plan, helping make ongoing AED expenses more predictable.

Both fully automatic and semi-automatic AEDs analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is appropriate. The difference is what happens after the AED identifies a shockable rhythm. With a semi-automatic AED, the rescuer must press a flashing shock button. With a fully automatic AED, the device warns everyone to stand clear and then delivers the shock automatically - without requiring the rescuer to press another button.

AED123 generally recommends fully automatic AEDs for lay-responder environments because they eliminate one potential point of failure during an already stressful emergency: the rescuer failing or hesitating to press the shock button. Research evaluating actual AED use has documented cases in which an AED advised a shock but the operator did not deliver it, including instances where the operator simply failed to press the shock button.

A common concern is that a fully automatic AED could shock while someone is still touching the patient. Available research has not shown fully automatic AEDs to create greater rescuer or bystander safety risk than semi-automatic AEDs, and studies of modern biphasic defibrillation have found that electrical exposure from incidental rescuer contact is very low.

For most workplaces, schools, and other public-access settings, if budget is not an issue, AED123 favors fully automatic AEDs because they simplify the rescue process and remove the need for the rescuer to take the final action of pressing the shock button.

Yes. All FDA-approved AEDs can be used on both adults and children, although the way the AED is placed into pediatric mode varies by manufacturer and model.

For children under approximately 8 years of age or 55 pounds, an AED should use a reduced pediatric energy level when that capability is available. Some AEDs accomplish this with separate pediatric electrode pads, while others use the same pads for adults and children and switch into pediatric mode with a button or key.

For children 8 years of age or older, or 55 pounds or more, the AED is generally used in its standard mode with standard electrode pads. If a younger or smaller child is in cardiac arrest and pediatric pads or a pediatric mode are not available, using the available standard pads is better than delaying or withholding defibrillation. On a small child, the pads may need to be placed one on the chest and one on the back so they do not touch.

Even in schools and other locations where many children are present, AED123 generally recommends keeping the standard adult pads connected to the AED by default, because the AED is still more likely to be needed for an adult - such as an employee, teacher, coach, parent, or visitor. Where pediatric capability is appropriate, pediatric pads or the required pediatric accessory should be stored with the AED so they can be accessed immediately.

For organizations where children may be present, AED123 recommends equipping AEDs so they are ready to treat both adults and pediatric patients without delaying defibrillation.

When comparing AEDs, AED123 recommends focusing first on cost, ease of use, and speed-to-shock. All FDA-approved AEDs are designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, so the most valuable differences are often the features that help a lay responder deliver a shock quickly, correctly, and with as little hesitation as possible.

Important features to consider include:

• Ease of use: Look for simple controls, clear voice prompts, intuitive visual instructions, and electrode pads that are easy to access and apply. Clear voice and visual prompts are particularly important for minimally trained users in high-stress situations.
• Speed-to-shock: AEDs differ in how quickly a rescuer can turn on the device, apply the pads, complete rhythm analysis, and deliver the first shock. Because every second matters during cardiac arrest, AED123 considers speed-to-shock one of the most important performance characteristics.
• Fully automatic operation: AED123 generally recommends a fully automatic AED, which delivers an advised shock automatically after warning rescuers to stand clear. This eliminates the additional step of requiring the rescuer to press a shock button - and removes a potential point of failure during the rescue. Semi-automatic AEDs require the user to press the shock button.
• Pediatric capability: If children may be present, the AED should be readily usable on pediatric patients. Some models require separate pediatric pads, while others can switch between adult and pediatric modes using the same pads.
• CPR coaching or feedback: Some AEDs provide a CPR metronome, while more advanced models can provide real-time feedback on compression rate and depth.
• Bilingual instructions: Organizations with multilingual employees or visitors may benefit from an AED that can switch between languages during a rescue.

Generally, yes - when practical, AED123 recommends standardizing on a single AED model or a small number of models across an organization. Standardization makes the AED program simpler and reduces variation when an emergency occurs.

Using the same AED model gives employees a consistent user interface, voice prompts, pad configuration, and rescue process regardless of which location they are in. It also simplifies training, troubleshooting, software updates, and the management of replacement pads, batteries, and other accessories.

However, organizations do not need to replace otherwise serviceable AEDs solely to create a standardized fleet. Many organizations accumulate different brands and models through acquisitions, site-specific purchases, or replacement cycles. AED123 distributes and services all FDA-approved AEDs, so mixed fleets can still be managed within a single AED program.

For organizations purchasing a large number of new AEDs, standardizing on the same model across locations is usually preferable, unless a particular environment or use case calls for different equipment. Over time, older models can then be replaced with the organization’s preferred model as they reach the end of their useful life.

A practical industry standard and best practice is to plan to replace an AED after approximately eight years. AED123 follows this standard and cycles the AEDs in its own fleet every eight years, even when a device continues to pass its self-tests.

Eight years is also consistent with the warranty period for many of the most widely used public-access AEDs. Stryker provides eight-year warranties for the LIFEPAK CR2 and HeartSine AEDs, Philips provides eight-year coverage for the HeartStart OnSite and FRx, and Defibtech provides an eight-year limited warranty for its Lifeline AEDs. Some manufacturers provide shorter standard warranties that can be extended through product registration; for example, the ZOLL AED 3 and Powerheart G5 can receive eight years of total warranty coverage after registration.

Eight years is a recommended replacement cycle, not an automatic expiration date. An AED can often remain in service beyond eight years if it continues to pass its self-tests, remains properly maintained, is still supported by the manufacturer, and compatible batteries and electrode pads remain available. AED123 continues to service discontinued AEDs as long as the device remains FDA approved and the necessary pads and batteries are still available.

An AED may need to be replaced sooner if it is damaged, recalled, repeatedly fails self-tests, or can no longer be adequately supported. Batteries and electrode pads have much shorter replacement cycles and should be replaced throughout the AED's service life according to their specific expiration or replacement dates.

For organizations budgeting and planning their AED programs, AED123 recommends using eight years as the expected replacement cycle.

A discontinued AED does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately. If the device remains FDA approved, continues to pass its self-tests, and the manufacturer still supplies compatible batteries and electrode pads, it can generally remain in service. AED123 continues to service discontinued AED models under those conditions.

When replacement is appropriate, consider the same factors that matter when purchasing any new AED - particularly cost, ease of use, speed-to-shock, fully automatic versus semi-automatic operation, pediatric capability, CPR coaching, and other features appropriate for the location. The availability and expected longevity of replacement pads, batteries, manufacturer support, and warranty coverage should also be considered.

For organizations with multiple AEDs, replacement is also an opportunity to standardize the fleet. If most of the organization already uses a particular current AED model, replacing a discontinued unit with that model can simplify employee familiarity, training, supplies, maintenance, and future replacements.

Before selecting the replacement, also confirm whether the new AED is compatible with the existing cabinet, signage, carrying case, pediatric accessories, monitoring equipment, and other components of the AED station. The objective should be to replace the discontinued device with a current, well-supported AED that fits the organization’s broader AED program - not simply with the successor model from the same manufacturer.

AED123 provides discounted equipment pricing to customers regardless of purchase volume, so organizations do not need to buy a large number of AEDs to receive strong device pricing.

Volume discounts are primarily available on AED123 Service Plans and Support Plans, with pricing based on the number of AEDs and plan type.

Customers should ask AED123 for discounted equipment pricing and for applicable volume discounts on Service Plans or Support Plans when requesting a quote.

If someone suddenly collapses, first make sure the scene is safe, then check whether the person is responsive and breathing normally. Tap the person and ask loudly if they are okay. Gasping, snorting, or irregular occasional breaths are not normal breathing.

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and get an AED as quickly as possible. If other people are present, have one person call 911 and another retrieve the AED while CPR begins. If you are alone, call 911 - preferably on speakerphone - so the dispatcher can provide instructions while you respond.

Begin chest compressions in the center of the chest, pushing hard and fast at approximately 100 to 120 compressions per minute. As soon as the AED arrives, attach it as quickly as possible and follow its voice and visual instructions.

Do not delay CPR or AED use while trying to determine exactly why the person collapsed.

An AED should be used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, which are the primary signs of sudden cardiac arrest. Gasping, snorting, or occasional irregular breaths should not be considered normal breathing.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and get an AED as quickly as possible. Turn the AED on, expose the person’s chest, apply the electrode pads as shown, and follow the device’s voice and visual instructions.

You do not need to determine whether the person has a heart rhythm before attaching the AED. The AED analyzes the heart’s electrical activity and will only advise or deliver a shock when it detects a rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation.

An AED should not be used simply because someone is experiencing chest pain, faintness, or other symptoms while they remain responsive and breathing normally. However, if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, the AED should be applied immediately.

To use an AED, turn it on and follow the device’s voice instructions. (AEDs are designed to guide the responder through each step of the rescue.)

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and retrieve the AED. Then:

1. Turn on the AED.
2. Expose the person’s bare chest and apply the electrode pads where shown on the pad diagrams.
3. Stop touching the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
4. If a shock is advised, make sure everyone is clear. Press the shock button if using a semi-automatic AED; a fully automatic AED will deliver the shock itself after giving a warning.
5. Resume CPR immediately when instructed and continue following the AED’s prompts until EMS takes over or the person begins showing clear signs of life.

Anyone can use an AED in an emergency. You do not need to be a healthcare professional or have special certification to operate one. AEDs are specifically designed to be used by untrained responders, with simple controls and step-by-step voice and visual instructions that guide the responder through the rescue.

Studies have shown that untrained schoolchildren can successfully operate an AED in simulated cardiac arrest situations without any prior AED training. In one study, untrained sixth graders correctly placed the electrode pads and safely delivered a simulated shock, with performance only modestly slower than trained EMS professionals. Another study found that third graders with no formal AED training were able to successfully perform simulated defibrillation.

CPR/AED training is still recommended. Training improves a responder's ability to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and use the AED quickly, but perhaps just as importantly, it gives people the confidence and courage to step in and actually use the device when someone collapses. In a real emergency, hesitation can cost valuable time.

Some state or local AED program requirements may also require certain designated employees or anticipated responders to receive training. However, a lack of training should never prevent someone from using an AED during a suspected cardiac arrest. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, get the AED, turn it on, and follow its instructions.

Yes. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 and begin CPR immediately while an AED is being retrieved.

However, do not delay attaching the AED in order to perform CPR first. In a shockable cardiac arrest, speed-to-shock is the single most important determinant of survival, so getting the AED on the victim and ready to analyze the heart rhythm as quickly as possible is paramount. Every minute without CPR and AED use meaningfully reduces the chance of survival.

As soon as the AED arrives, turn it on, apply the pads, and follow its instructions. Continue CPR while the AED is being prepared whenever possible, stopping only when the AED tells you to stand clear for rhythm analysis or a shock.

After the AED analyzes the rhythm or delivers a shock, resume CPR immediately when instructed. The objective is to minimize interruptions in chest compressions while delivering a shock as quickly as possible.

The AED will not administer a shock to anyone who does not need it. The AED analyzes the person’s heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is appropriate before a shock can be delivered, and an AED will not allow a shock unless it detects a heart rhythm that should be treated with defibrillation.

If the AED detects a shockable rhythm - typically ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) - it will advise or deliver a shock. If it detects a non-shockable rhythm, such as asystole, it will indicate that no shock is advised and direct the responder to continue CPR.

This built-in rhythm analysis is one of the reasons AEDs can be used safely by the general public. The responder does not decide whether the person needs to be shocked - the AED does.

The risk of harm from using an AED is far smaller than the risk of delaying treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, responders should call 911, begin CPR, and use the AED as quickly as possible.

AED use can occasionally cause minor skin irritation or burns from the electrode pads, and CPR can cause bruising or broken ribs.

These risks should not discourage anyone from using an AED when cardiac arrest is suspected. In that situation, acting quickly can save the person’s life.

Yes. An AED should be used on a child or infant who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Do not delay defibrillation while waiting for pediatric equipment.

For children under approximately 8 years old or 55 pounds, use pediatric pads or a pediatric mode that reduces the shock energy when available. For larger children, use the AED’s standard pads and settings.

If pediatric pads or a pediatric setting are not available, use the available AED with its standard pads rather than delaying treatment. On a very small child or infant, if the pads would touch when placed on the chest, place one pad on the chest and the other on the back.

The priority is the same as with an adult cardiac arrest: call 911, begin CPR, and attach the AED as quickly as possible.

Yes. An AED can and should be used on someone with a pacemaker or implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if they are in cardiac arrest.

The only special consideration is pad placement. If you can see or feel the implanted device - typically a small raised area under the skin of the upper chest - then move the pad slightly so it is placed on bare skin beside the device.

A pacemaker or ICD should not delay CPR or AED use. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and attach the AED as quickly as possible.

It depends on your location and type of organization. Some state and local AED laws require designated employees or anticipated responders to receive CPR/AED training, while others do not.

Even when training is not legally required, AED123 recommends it. AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them, but in a real cardiac arrest the biggest challenge is often getting someone to recognize what is happening, step forward, and act quickly. Training gives employees the knowledge, confidence, and courage to begin CPR and use the AED without hesitation.

Organizations do not need to train every employee. A practical approach is to make sure there are multiple trained responders available whenever the facility is occupied, with enough coverage to account for different shifts, locations, vacations, and employee turnover.

AED123 provides CPR/AED and First Aid training for organizations and responders of all experience levels.

Yes. If someone nearby is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, you should not hesitate to use your organization’s AED to help them, even if the person is not an employee, customer, student, resident, or otherwise associated with your organization. Good Samaritan protections still apply.

If an AED covered by an AED123 Service Plan or Support Plan is used in a rescue, contact AED123 afterward. The cost of replacement electrode pads and batteries is included in the plan, and AED123 will help restore the AED to ready status and provide applicable post-use support.