BLS AED Algorithm

All AEDs are similar.  To operate an AED, refer to the AED algorithm.

1. Secure the scene and verify the victim is NOT in water.
2. Open and turn the AED on.
3. Stop CPR.  The effectiveness of shock delivery decreases significantly for every 10 seconds that elapses between compressions and shock delivery, so it is critical to deliver a shock quickly.
4. Expose the victim's chest and dry the skin if necessary.
5.  Open the AED pads and attach the pads to the victim's chest.  A hard lump on the victim's chest may indicate an implanted pacemaker.  Do not place an AED pad over the lump.  Remove any medication patch that is on the chest.
6. Instruct all bystanders to move away while the AED analyzes the victim's rhythm.  DO NOT TOUCH the victim during this analysis.  If you get a message to check the pads, press on each pad to ensure the pads are making full contact.  Occasionally, you may have to apply a new set of pads.
7. If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will verbally tell you to not touch the victim.  The AED will advise you to deliver a shock.  Ensure that no one is in contact with the victim.  Press the Shock button.
8. If the AED does NOT detect a shockable rhythm, it will tell you to resume CPR.
9. After performing CPR for 2 minutes, the AED will advise you to stop CPR and will analyze the rhythm again.
10. Repeat step 8 or 9 as advised by the AED.