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First aid · Australia

Using an AED

Use for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Turn the AED on, expose and dry the chest, attach the pads as shown, stand clear when told and follow the AED voice and picture prompts.

Medical emergency? Call 000

What to do

  1. Start with CPR and 000

    Call 000, start CPR and ask someone to bring an AED.

  2. Turn it on

    Turn the AED on and follow its instructions.

  3. Prepare the chest

    Expose and dry the chest. Remove medication patches if present without touching the medication.

    What if the person has a medication patch or a hairy chest?

    Remove a medication patch from the pad area and wipe the skin before attaching the pad. For chest hair, prioritise speed: apply the pads first and only remove excessive hair if poor contact prevents the AED from working.

    Take care. Do not apply pads while the person is in standing water. Move to a safe surface and dry the chest quickly if it is wet.

  4. Place the pads

    Attach the pads exactly as shown on the pads or device.

    Can an AED be used on a child or infant?

    Yes. Paediatric pads or a paediatric setting are preferred for children under 8 years, including infants, when available. If they are not available, standard adult pads may be used; make sure the pads do not touch and follow the device and 000 call-taker.

    Can I use an AED on someone with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator?

    Yes, if they are in cardiac arrest. Do not place a pad directly over the implanted device; place it at least 8 cm away and follow the pad diagram. Do not spend time searching for the implant if that would delay CPR or defibrillation.

    Generated photograph of an adult training manikin seen from the front, without AED pads. Numbered labels identify general placement landmarks.

    Adult pad locations

    1. Below the person's right collarbone.
    2. On the person's left side, below the armpit. The pad sits around the side of the chest, not on the abdomen.

    Follow the exact pictures on your pads or device. This front view shows the person's right on your left.

    AI-generated training-model photograph. Labels mark general locations, not pad size or shape; the left side curves away from this front view.

  5. Stand clear

    Stand clear while the AED analyses and delivers a shock if advised.

    Take care. Do not touch the person during analysis or shock delivery.

  6. Resume CPR

    Restart CPR when the AED tells you to.

    Take care. Do not remove the pads to check the person unless instructed.

Know when to act

When to get help

  • Use an AED on an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally as soon as it is available.

Children and babies

  • Children younger than 8 years should ideally have paediatric pads or a child setting. If those are unavailable, use the adult AED as directed by the device and 000 call-taker.
  • For a small child or infant, use paediatric pads or mode when available. If pads would touch, follow the device guidance for front-and-back placement.
  • Do not delay CPR or AED use while searching for paediatric equipment if the call-taker or device provides another safe option.

Keep checking

  • Follow the AED prompts and continue CPR between analyses.

What you may notice

  • The person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, which is the situation in which an AED is indicated.
  • The AED may give voice, picture or text prompts and may ask everyone to stand clear while it analyses or delivers a shock.
  • The chest may need to be exposed and dried so the pads can adhere and the device can analyse safely.
  • The pads show their intended positions; an adult pattern places one pad high on the right chest and the other on the left side below the armpit.

When help arrives

  • Keep the pads attached and continue following the AED prompts and 000 call-taker until trained help takes over.
  • Resume CPR between analyses when the AED instructs you to do so, and keep everyone clear whenever the device is analysing or delivering a shock.
  • Tell responders how long CPR was given, when the AED was attached, how many shocks were advised or delivered and whether the person responded.

Other useful answers

Do I need training to use an AED?

No. Public AEDs are designed to guide a rescuer with voice and picture prompts. Call 000, start CPR and follow the device instructions.

Does “no shock advised” mean the person has recovered?

No. Some cardiac-arrest rhythms cannot be treated with a shock. If the person remains unresponsive and is not breathing normally, resume CPR when prompted and follow the AED and 000 call-taker. The message alone does not mean it is safe to stop helping.

What if normal breathing returns after using an AED?

Stop CPR if normal breathing returns. If the person remains unresponsive, place them on their side, keep the airway open and watch their breathing continuously. Leave the pads attached and the AED switched on. Tell the 000 call-taker what changed; restart CPR if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally.

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and, when appropriate, guides the rescuer through a shock. It is designed for use by bystanders as well as trained responders.

Is an AED the same as a defibrillator?

AED means automated external defibrillator. It is one type of defibrillator: a portable device that analyses the rhythm and guides a rescuer. Hospital teams may also use manual defibrillators, which are different.

What does a defibrillator actually do?

It analyses the person's heart rhythm and may deliver a controlled shock when the rhythm is shockable. It does not restart every stopped heart, so CPR and rapid emergency care remain essential.

Can a defibrillator hurt or kill someone?

A shock can cause injury, including a skin burn, but in cardiac arrest the risk of doing nothing is far greater. AED safeguards reduce avoidable harm. Call 000, use the device on the correct person and keep everyone clear.

Can an AED be used on a pregnant person?

Yes. If a pregnant person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 000, start CPR and use the AED. Do not delay life-saving defibrillation because of the pregnancy.

Can I use an AED on someone with heart stents?

Yes. A coronary stent is inside a blood vessel and does not prevent AED use. Place the pads on the bare chest as shown and follow the device; do not delay CPR or defibrillation.

Can I use an AED on someone with nipple piercings?

Yes. If a piercing sits under the planned pad position, move the pad to clean bare skin according to the device diagram. Remove jewellery only if it is quick and safe; do not delay CPR or defibrillation.

Can I use a human AED on a dog?

Human AEDs are designed for people, not as a substitute for veterinary care. If a person is in danger, prioritise the human emergency and call 000. For an animal, contact a veterinarian and follow veterinary advice.

Can I defibrillate myself?

No. A sudden cardiac arrest makes a person lose consciousness too quickly to apply and use an AED on themselves. An AED nearby helps another person respond quickly.

Can a defibrillator be used more than once?

The main AED unit is generally reusable, but pads and batteries may need replacement after use. Follow the exact model instructions and check that the device returns to its ready status.

Do defibrillators need charging?

AEDs are normally powered by replaceable batteries rather than a rechargeable mains cable. There is no single battery schedule for every model, so check the readiness indicator, battery date and manufacturer instructions.

Do defibrillators need a power supply?

No mains power is needed during an emergency. AEDs are designed to run from their installed battery. The important preparation step is checking the readiness indicator, battery and pads on the schedule for that model.

Do defibrillators expire?

The unit does not have one universal expiry date. Readiness depends on the model, self-tests, battery life, pad expiry and storage conditions. Replace dated consumables and arrange service when the device indicates a problem.

Can someone still die after using a defibrillator?

Yes. An AED cannot guarantee survival and only some cardiac-arrest rhythms are shockable. Early recognition, 000, high-quality CPR, rapid AED use and professional care give the person the best chance.

Is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest?

No. A heart attack is a blocked blood supply to heart muscle; cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping effectively. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. An AED is used for cardiac arrest, not for ordinary chest pain in a responsive person.

Sources and last update

Content updated: 6 September 2026.

These sources inform the guidance. This independent resource is not a substitute for a first aid course or medical assessment. An editorial update is not independent clinical review. Source organisations have not endorsed this site.

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