In today’s workplace environment, AED defibrillator training is becoming a crucial requirement for many organisations. When a person’s heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, having the confidence to access and administer an electric shock via an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death.
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere—whether in an office building, at an airport, or in a shopping centre—making it essential for every first aider to know how to respond. This comprehensive guide will provide clear instructions on how to act quickly and effectively when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, even if you have no formal medical training.
Key Takeaways
- AEDs are strategically located throughout Gold Coast at beaches, shopping centres, and public venues with wheelchair accessibility.
- During emergencies, power on the AED immediately, place electrode pads per diagrams, and follow voice prompts for rhythm analysis.
- For paediatric patients, use specific pads or child mode settings for children under 8 years.
- Monthly maintenance checks and proper documentation ensure AEDs remain functional when needed during cardiac emergencies.
What is an Automated External Defibrillator and What Does It Do?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device designed to detect abnormal heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to the heart when necessary. Unlike the complex defibrillators used in hospitals, AEDs are simple to use and specifically designed for people without medical training to administer in emergency situations.
When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, their heartbeat becomes irregular or stops completely. An AED works by analysing the heart’s rhythm and determining if a shock needs to be administered to restore normal heart rhythm. Modern AEDs are remarkably intelligent devices that guide the user through each step with clear instructions, both visually and verbally.
These devices are now commonly found in public places such as office buildings, shopping centres, airports, and sporting facilities. Their integration into first aid accident and emergency protocols has significantly improved the chance of survival for cardiac arrest victims. Research shows that immediate CPR alongside AED use can increase survival rates by up to 70%, compared to just 5-10% with CPR alone.
AEDs are designed to be mistake-proof—they will not deliver a shock unless it detects a rhythm that requires one, making them safe for anyone to use in an emergency situation. This integration of sophisticated technology with user-friendly design means that training is not required to save a life, though first aid training certainly helps build confidence.
Step-by-Step AED Operation
When faced with a cardiac emergency, knowing the proper steps for using an AED can help someone survive what might otherwise be fatal.
AED Placement
Proper electrode pad placement is critical when using a defibrillator. First, you must remove all clothing covering the chest to ensure direct contact with the skin. Most AEDs come with a pair of adhesive electrode pads with diagrams showing exactly where they should be placed.
Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone. The second pad goes on the lower left side of the ribcage, below the armpit. These positions allow the electric shock to travel across the heart most effectively. Ensure the pads are pressed firmly against the skin to create proper contact—any air gaps can reduce effectiveness.
For individuals with implanted devices like pacemakers (visible as a small bump under the skin), avoid placing the pads directly over the implant. Instead, position them at least 2-3 cm away to prevent interference. If the person is wearing a medication patch in the area where you need to place a pad, remove it first and wipe the area clean before applying the AED pad.
Emergency Sequence
When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, follow these critical steps to administer CPR and use the AED effectively:
- Check for responsiveness and breathing. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, have someone call emergency assistance (000) immediately while you locate the nearest AED.
- Begin CPR immediately while someone else works to find a defibrillator. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest (at least 5cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute).
- Once you find an AED, turn it on by pressing the power button. Modern devices will activate automatically when you open the lid.
- The AED will provide clear instructions. Remove all clothing from the chest and ensure the skin is dry.
- Apply the electrode pads as directed in the placement diagrams.
- The AED will analyse the heart rhythm. Ensure no one is touching the patient when the device states “analysing rhythm” or “stand clear.”
- If a shock is advised, the AED will charge automatically. Make sure everyone is clear of the patient and loudly announce “Clear!” before pressing the shock button.
- The AED will announce when a shock will be delivered. After the shock, immediately resume CPR for two minutes before the device re-analyses the rhythm.
- If no shock is advised, continue CPR and follow the AED prompts until emergency services arrive.
This sequence integrates seamlessly with standard CPR protocols and significantly increases the chance of survival by restoring normal heart rhythm when administered within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Emergencies Requiring an AED
When evaluating cardiac symptoms during emergency response, you’ll primarily encounter these life-threatening conditions:
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) – The leading cause of death globally, characterised by ineffective heart contractions, loss of consciousness, and no pulse, with survival rates decreasing 10% each minute. Immediate CPR combined with AED shock therapy provides the best chance for survival when someone experiences SCA.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) – The most common cause of SCA, presenting as chaotic electrical activity causing the heart to quiver rather than pump effectively.
- Heart Attack – Although distinct from SCA, it can trigger VF, requiring immediate AED intervention if cardiac arrest follows.
- Cardiomyopathy – Often undiagnosed until crisis, this condition enlarges or thickens heart muscle, increasing SCA risk considerably.
Special Considerations for Pediatric AED Use
When administering defibrillation to children, special considerations must be made to ensure safety and effectiveness. Children have smaller bodies and more sensitive cardiac systems, requiring adjustments to the standard adult AED protocols.
For children under 8 years of age or weighing less than 25kg, you should ideally choose the right defibrillator with paediatric capabilities. Many modern AEDs are equipped with specific paediatric pads or a child mode setting that automatically reduces the energy level delivered during a shock. This adaptation is crucial because delivering an adult-level shock to a child’s heart could cause additional harm.
In situations where only a standard AED without paediatric features is available and a child is in cardiac arrest, health authorities recommend using the standard adult AED rather than no AED at all. The benefit of potentially restoring normal heart rhythm outweighs the risks of using an adult device.
AED Maintenance
Maintaining your AED defibrillator properly guarantees its readiness during life-threatening emergencies when every second counts. Regular AED maintenance checks guarantee peak functionality and compliance with safety standards.
- Conduct monthly visual inspections including status indicator verification, checking for exterior damage, and confirming unobstructed placement in designated locations.
- Implement strict battery replacement protocols by monitoring expiration dates and replacing batteries according to manufacturer guidelines before they expire.
- Store your device in temperature-controlled environments within recommended humidity and pressure ranges to prevent component deterioration.
- Document all maintenance activities, including battery replacements, pad changes, and post-use cleaning procedures in a dedicated log for audit purposes and regulatory compliance.
After each use, thoroughly disinfect the device, replace pads, and verify battery capacity before returning it to service.
Legal Protections for AED Users in Queensland
In Queensland and across Australia, there are important legal frameworks in place to protect those who provide first aid and use AEDs during emergencies. These protections are designed to encourage bystander intervention without fear of legal consequences, recognising that early defibrillation is critical for survival when a person’s heart suddenly stops.
Good Samaritan Laws
Queensland’s Civil Liability Act 2003 includes provisions specifically protecting “Good Samaritans” who assist in emergencies. These laws ensure that individuals who administer a shock using an AED in good faith are protected from civil liability when:
- They act in a reasonable manner according to their skill level
- Their assistance is provided without gross negligence
- They are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while providing aid
This means that even if you make a mistake while attempting to help someone experiencing cardiac arrest, you are generally protected from legal consequences as long as you acted with reasonable care. These protections apply regardless of whether you have formal first aid training, though training certainly helps build confidence and competence.
Duty of Care
For workplace settings where defibrillators are installed, there may be considerations around “duty of care” that affect how organisations manage their AEDs:
- While no specific legislation requires businesses to install AEDs, general workplace health and safety obligations may create an implied duty to have them available in high-risk environments
- Once an organisation chooses to install an AED, there is a responsibility to maintain it properly and ensure staff know how to access it
- Organisations that provide first aid training to staff should include AED training as part of their comprehensive emergency response plan
Combining First Aid and CPR With AED Use
When responding to a cardiac emergency, the integration of traditional first aid techniques with CPR and AED use creates the most effective response system. This combined approach significantly improves a victim’s chance of survival and recovery.
The chain of survival begins with recognising the emergency promptly. Look for signs like unconsciousness and abnormal or absent breathing. Once you identify a potential cardiac arrest, immediate action is required—call 000 and find an AED while beginning CPR.
High-quality CPR works in tandem with defibrillation. While CPR manually circulates blood to vital organs, the AED addresses the underlying electrical problem in the heart. Begin with 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths if you’re trained to provide them. If you’re not comfortable giving rescue breaths, continuous chest compressions are acceptable until the AED arrives.
This seamless integration of CPR with AED use represents the gold standard in emergency cardiac care, with studies showing that bystander intervention combining these techniques can triple survival rates compared to waiting for professional help to arrive.
First Aid, CPR, and AED Defibrillator Training on the Gold Coast
Whether you’re fulfilling a workplace requirement or simply want to be prepared to help someone in need, professional first aid training that includes AED usage is readily available.
The First Aid Course Gold Coast provides nationally recognised training with our HLTAID009 course, which covers all essential emergency response skills including CPR and use of automated external defibrillators. Our courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical demonstration sessions, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience with AEDs in a supportive learning environment.
These courses are designed for participants with no prior medical training and focus on building the confidence needed to act quickly during emergencies. Many Gold Coast businesses are now choosing to have their entire teams trained, recognising that having multiple staff members able to administer CPR and use an AED significantly improves workplace safety.
With sudden cardiac arrest being one of Australia’s leading causes of death, investing in quality first aid and AED training represents an important step toward creating safer communities and workplaces across the Gold Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use an AED on a Person With a Pacemaker?
Yes, AEDs can be safely used on people with pacemakers. When providing first aid, simply place electrode pads at least 2-3 centimetres away from the visible pacemaker bump while following standard placement guidelines. Modern AEDs effectively detect rhythms despite pacemakers, and the chance of survival depends on immediate treatment.
How Do I Use an AED During Rain or in Wet Conditions?
When using a defibrillator in wet conditions, quickly move to shelter if possible and remove all clothing from the chest. Thoroughly dry the person’s skin before applying pads, paying special attention to areas where water collects. Never use an AED while the patient is in standing water. Modern devices are designed with some water resistance, but taking these simple precautions ensures the AED can effectively deliver a shock if required.
Can AEDS Be Used on Pregnant Women?
Yes, AEDs should be used on pregnant women experiencing cardiac arrest. Place pads in the standard position and perform manual left uterine displacement during CPR. Research confirms the electric shock doesn’t compromise foetal safety, and the benefits far outweigh risks.
