When should you use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is crucial when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally because this typically indicates they are experiencing a cardiac arrest. In such situations, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to vital organs, leading to a lack of oxygen. The AED is designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary to restore a normal heartbeat. This timely intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival.

When a person is responsive and alert, they do not require an AED, as their heart is still functioning adequately. Similarly, chest pain or having a known heart condition does not automatically warrant the immediate use of an AED; those situations could involve different responses depending on the individual’s status. The critical factor for employing an AED is the unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, which signals a medical emergency requiring immediate action.