AEDs Were Made for the General Public to Use

Studies have shown that the majority of people report a lack of confidence in using an AED. And many think they’re not even allowed to use one.

But public access defibrillators are onsite because when Sudden Cardiac Arrest stops a victim’s heart, the only way to restart it is with an AED. And every minute’s delay decreases the chance of survival by 10%. Improving survival depends on shocking a victim within 3 minutes of collapse. And in fact, research has shown that 9 in 10 victims who receive a shock within the first minute survive.

Given the average arrival time for EMS is 6 to 13 minutes, that means we all need to be prepared to use an onsite AED, and to advocate for accessible AEDs to in all places youth congregate..

MYTH

FACT

An AED should be kept safely locked away. An AED should ALWAYS be accessible.
You must be a medical professional to use an AED.AEDs are designed for the public to use.
AEDs are onsite for EMS to use when they arrive.AEDs are meant for bystanders to retrieve and use with 3 minutes of a person’s collapse.
EMS will always get to a cardiac emergency in time.The average arrival time for EMS is 6 to 13 minutes.
You must be trained to use an AED.No training necessary—an AED talks you through the steps.
You must be an adult to use an AED.Research shows 11-year-olds can properly apply an AED within 90 seconds after receiving verbal instruction.
You’re responsible for determining if the victim needs to be shocked.The AED device analyzes the heart rhythm.
You can hurt someone with an AED.An AED will only deliver a shock if needed - you can’t mistakenly shock a victim.
You are liable if you try to use an AED and the victim does not survive.The Good Samaritan Law is a national standard that protects anyone who tries in good faith to help.

Have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan where you live, learn, work and play. Check out what that looks like.

Find more videos to operate other brands of AED devices at Save Station.