An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device designed to analyze heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.
The use of an AED is simple and straightforward: turn it on, attach the adhesive pads to the patient’s chest, and follow the voice instructions provided by the device. It is always used alongside Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Before using an AED, here are the most important things you need to know:
An AED analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a shock in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
It is only used when the heart suddenly stops (the patient is unconscious and not breathing normally), along with chest compressions to maintain blood circulation.
The steps are simple: turn on the device, place the pads correctly on the chest, and stand clear during shock delivery.
AED devices are commonly available in public places such as airports, shopping malls, stadiums, and large mosques in Saudi Arabia.
Imagine this scenario: a person suddenly collapses in a public place, unresponsive and not breathing normally. This is where the AED becomes a critical life-saving tool in the chain of survival.
According to the American Heart Association, survival rates drop by approximately 10% for every minute of delay. However, combining CPR with early AED use can increase survival rates by more than 50%.
What Is an AED and How Does It Work?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable medical device powered by a high-capacity battery. It analyzes the heart’s electrical activity using adhesive electrodes placed on the patient’s chest.
If the device detects a dangerous rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, it delivers a controlled electric shock designed to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Modern AEDs include intelligent software that prioritizes heart rhythm analysis before delivering any shock. They also provide clear voice prompts that guide the rescuer step by step throughout the process.
AEDs are designed with built-in safety features, making them portable, safe, and easy to use—even for untrained individuals. The voice instructions guide the user through every stage.
AED use is always combined with CPR. While CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs, the AED restores the heart’s electrical system, significantly improving survival chances.
When Should You Use an AED?
An AED should be used when sudden cardiac arrest is suspected—that is, when a person is unconscious and not breathing normally or not breathing at all.
The device helps analyze heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack
Cardiac Arrest: A sudden electrical failure of the heart causing collapse and loss of breathing.
Heart Attack: A circulation problem where the person may still be conscious and breathing.
In cardiac arrest, every second is critical. According to the American Heart Association, survival decreases by 7–10% for every minute without defibrillation or CPR.
What to Do Before Using an AED
Before using an AED, quickly assess the patient:
Check responsiveness: Tap and shout. If no response, treat as cardiac arrest.
Check breathing: Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Agonal gasping is not normal breathing.
Call emergency services: Contact emergency responders (e.g., Red Crescent 997 in Saudi Arabia) and request an AED.
Start CPR immediately: Begin chest compressions while waiting for the AED.
Use AED as soon as available: Let the device analyze heart rhythm and follow instructions.
How to Use an AED Step by Step
An AED is designed for simplicity and public use. It follows four main steps:
Turn on the device and follow voice instructions
Attach the electrode pads correctly
Stand clear during analysis and shock delivery
Resume CPR immediately
Step 1: Turn On the AED and Follow Voice Instructions
Turn on the AED immediately upon availability. Most devices activate with a single power button.
The device will begin giving voice prompts such as:
“Analyzing heart rhythm”
“Do not touch the patient”
Follow all instructions carefully. The system guides you through every step without requiring medical training.
Step 2: Attach the Pads Correctly
Expose the patient’s chest completely. Remove clothing and ensure the skin is dry.
Place the pads as follows:
One pad on the upper right chest, just below the collarbone
The second pad on the lower left side of the chest, near the armpit
If the chest is small or pads may overlap, one pad can be placed on the back between the shoulder blades.
Safety note: Ensure no one is touching the patient while placing pads.
Step 3: Stand Clear During Analysis and Shock
After pad placement:
Ensure no one is touching the patient
Say loudly: “Clear!”
Keep everyone 1–2 meters away
The AED will analyze the heart rhythm automatically.
If a shock is required:
The device will alert you
Ensure everyone is clear
Press the shock button if prompted
This shock helps reset the heart’s electrical system.
Step 4: Resume CPR Immediately
After a shock—or if no shock is advised—start CPR immediately.
Perform chest compressions at 100–120 compressions per minute
Provide rescue breaths if trained
Do not delay CPR
The AED will reanalyze the rhythm periodically and guide further actions until emergency responders arrive.
Where Are AEDs Found in Saudi Arabia?
AEDs are increasingly available in high-traffic public areas, including:
Airports and transportation hubs
Shopping malls
Sports stadiums and arenas
Hotels and government buildings
Large mosques and religious sites
Universities and public institutions
They are usually marked with a green AED sign.
How AED and CPR Work Together
AED and CPR are complementary life-saving interventions:
CPR: Maintains blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain and organs
AED: Restores the heart’s normal electrical rhythm
Together, they form the Chain of Survival.
CPR alone does not fix electrical heart failure, and AED alone cannot maintain circulation. Both are essential.
Common Mistakes and Safety Guidelines
To ensure safe AED use:
Do not use on a wet surface without drying the chest
Ensure no one touches the patient during shock delivery
Remove metal objects near pad placement if possible
Remove medication patches before pad application
Ensure proper pad adhesion
For children:
Use pediatric pads if available
If not available, standard pads can be used with correct placement (front and back)
Can Anyone Use an AED?
Yes. AEDs are designed for public use.
They:
Provide voice-guided instructions
Analyze heart rhythm automatically
Deliver shock only when necessary
Training in CPR improves confidence and response time, but it is not required to operate an AED in an emergency.
AED Saves Lives — But Training Makes You Ready
Knowing how to use an AED can give someone a second chance at life during the critical first minutes of cardiac arrest.
However, reading instructions is not the same as performing under pressure.
That is why global health organizations, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, emphasize combining CPR training with AED training.
Every minute matters. Quick action can mean the difference between life and death.
If you want to protect your family, colleagues, or community, learning CPR and AED use is one of the most valuable skills you can acquire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a non-trained person use an AED?
Yes. AEDs are designed for public use with voice instructions. Training improves speed and confidence but is not required.
2. Can an AED harm someone if their heart is not stopped?
No. The device analyzes the heart first and only delivers a shock when medically necessary.
3. Where can I find an AED in Saudi Arabia?
AEDs are commonly found in airports, malls, stadiums, hotels, and major mosques.
4. What is the difference between AED and CPR?
CPR maintains circulation manually, while AED restores the heart’s electrical rhythm.
5. Can AED be used on children?
Yes, with pediatric pads if available, or standard pads placed correctly.
6. What if the chest is wet or hairy?
Dry the chest first and remove excess hair for proper pad adhesion.