When operating an AED, the correct steps are simple and very structured: check responsiveness and breathing, call emergency services, start CPR, turn on the AED and follow its prompts, attach pads to a bare chest, let it analyze, and stand clear if it says to deliver a shock, then immediately resume CPR as instructed.

What an AED Is (Quick Context)

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a device that analyzes the heart rhythm and, if appropriate, delivers an electric shock to try to restore a normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs give clear voice and visual prompts so even untrained bystanders can use them.

Think of it as a “smart helper” that tells you exactly what to do in those first critical minutes.

Step‑by‑Step: Correct Steps to Follow

Use these steps for a teen or adult in sudden cardiac arrest (unresponsive, not breathing normally). This is general guidance and does not replace formal training.

  1. Check safety and the person
    • Make sure the scene is safe (no live wires, traffic, fire, etc.).
    • Tap the person and shout: “Are you okay?”
    • Check for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds; gasping is not normal breathing.
  1. Call emergency services and get an AED
    • If others are present: send one person to call emergency services and another to get the AED.
    • If alone: call emergency services yourself (use speaker mode on your phone) and get the nearest AED if it is very close.
  1. Start CPR (Push hard and fast)
    • Place hands in the center of the chest, arms straight.
    • Push hard and fast (about 100–120 compressions per minute), allowing the chest to fully recoil.
    • Keep going until the AED arrives or the person starts moving or breathing normally.
  1. Turn on the AED
    • Open the AED case and press the On button, or lift the lid if it powers on automatically.
    • Immediately follow the voice and visual prompts; the device will guide each next step.
  1. Expose and prepare the chest
    • Cut or tear away clothing from the chest.
    • Quickly dry a wet chest with a towel or cloth.
    • Remove medication patches and move necklaces away from where pads go (use gloves if available).
  1. Attach the AED pads correctly For adults/teens (standard pads):
    • One pad goes on the upper right chest, just below the collarbone.
    • The other pad goes on the lower left side of the chest, below the armpit.
    • Use the diagrams printed on the pads if unsure.

For children (generally 1–8 years, or very small body):

 * If the AED has a child button, key, or pediatric pads, use them.
 * Place pads as shown on the pediatric diagrams, often one in the center of the chest and the other on the back if they would otherwise touch.
  1. Let the AED analyze the heart rhythm
    • Once pads are attached, the AED will say something like: “Analyzing heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient.”
    • Make sure no one is touching the person—no compressions, no hands on them—so the reading is accurate.
  1. If a shock is advised
    • The AED may say: “Shock advised. Charging. Stand clear.”
    • Loudly say, “Clear!” and visually check that no one is touching the person.
    • Press the flashing shock button when told, or step back if it’s a fully automatic AED that shocks on its own.
  1. Immediately resume CPR after shock (or no shock)
    • As soon as the AED says it is safe and to begin CPR, start chest compressions again.
    • Follow its prompts; devices typically guide you through about 2 minutes of CPR between analyses.
 * Do not remove the pads; the AED will re-analyze regularly and tell you if more shocks are needed.
  1. Continue until help arrives or the person recovers
  • Keep following AED prompts and doing CPR until:
    • Emergency medical services arrive and take over,
    • A trained responder tells you to stop, or
    • The person shows clear signs of life (moving, breathing normally, speaking).

Extra Safety and Practical Tips

  • Do not use an AED in standing water; quickly move the person to a dry area before shocking.
  • Remove obvious metal contact (like a large necklace) away from pad areas, but do not delay shock trying to remove every piece of jewelry.
  • Pacemakers/implants: If you see a hard lump or device under the skin near the pad location, place the pad at least a couple of centimeters away from it.
  • Hairy chest: If pads will not stick because of very thick hair and a razor is available in the AED kit, quickly shave pad areas; if not, press pads firmly and use them anyway—time is critical.

The biggest mistake is hesitation. Attaching pads and starting the AED within the first few minutes can dramatically improve chances of survival.

Why These Steps Matter Now

Sudden cardiac arrest is still a leading cause of unexpected death worldwide, and public access AEDs are increasingly common in airports, malls, gyms, and workplaces. Recent awareness campaigns and training programs emphasize that even laypeople with no medical background can become a lifesaver by following the AED’s prompts and starting CPR immediately. In many regions today, Good Samaritan laws also protect bystanders who act in good faith when using AEDs and performing CPR.

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

  • Confirm unresponsiveness and abnormal or absent breathing.
  • Call emergency services and get an AED.
  • Start CPR: push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
  • Turn on the AED, expose the chest, and apply pads as shown.
  • Keep everyone clear while it analyzes and when delivering a shock.
  • Resume CPR immediately when told, and follow the device’s prompts until help arrives.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.