The prospect of using a defibrillator may seem a little daunting, but knowing how to use one is a straightforward procedure that could increase someone’s chances of survival.
Otherwise known as an AEDs, an Automated External Defibrillators is designed so that anyone can use them in an emergency without medical training.
Defibrillators are safe to use, and will even guide you through what to do with voice and visual instructions, so you don’t have to wait for emergency services to arrive. You can act immediately.
How to use a defibrillator
Once you turn the defibrillator on, it will give you step by step instructions, and maybe even provide visual prompts.
The defibrillator will check the person’s heart rhythm and will only tell you to give them a shock if it’s needed.
Remove any clothing the person is wearing above the waist. You may need to cut off any clothing that is awkward to remove, including bras; the defibrillator pack that is kept with the defibrillator will likely contain scissors.
Defibrillators have sticky pads that need to be attached to the person’s bare skin. If the chest is wet, make sure to dry the area before applying the pads.
Peel off the sticky pads and apply one on each side of the chest as shown on the defibrillator, one on the upper right side of the chest just under the collarbone, the other on the lower left side, below the armpit.
Once you attach the pads, don’t touch the person while the defibrillator checks their heart rhythm to determine if a shock needs to be administered.
An automatic defibrillator will deliver a shock without you needing to do anything.
If it is a semi-automatic defibrillator, the voice instructions will prompt you to push a button to deliver a shock.
Where to apply defibrillator pads
According to 2025 RCUK Guidelines, the antero-lateral pad placement is the preferred position for adults. This placement is designed to to direct the current in the most efficient way with the first pad on the upper right side of the chest, below the collarbone and the second pad on the left side of the chest, directly below the armpit.
You may find that your AED shows the old recommendation of where to place the pads but it’s important that the correct pad placement is used to ensure the defibrillator is used properly and has the best chance of saving lives.
When to use a defibrillator
If you find someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away.
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to give a person the best chance of survival following a cardiac arrest.
Any defibrillator can be used by anyone with no training. However, taking defibrillator training and CPR training will increase your confidence to be ready to act in an emergency.
