How to use an AED
To use an AED, switch it on and do exactly what its voice says: bare and dry the chest, then stick the pads where the pictures show. One goes below the right collarbone and the other on the left side below the armpit, and nobody touches the person while it checks the rhythm. Press the shock button if told, then restart chest compressions right away.
About 10 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
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How to do it
- Keep CPR going while someone opens the AED case and switches it on.
- Remove or cut away clothing from the chest, and wipe the chest dry.
- Peel a pad and place it on the upper right chest, below the collarbone.
- Place the other pad on the left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit, as the pictures show.
- Plug in the pad cable if it is not already connected.
- Say out loud that everyone must stand clear, and make sure no one is touching the person while it analyzes.
- Press the shock button if the AED tells you to; some shock automatically.
- Restart chest compressions immediately after the shock or when told no shock is advised.
Stop and call a professional if
- Always call 911 first, or have someone call, before and while using an AED.
- For a child, use child pads if the case has them, and follow the device's prompts.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number, 911 in the US. Take a certified class to practice this with an instructor.
Common mistakes
- Being afraid to use it; it will not shock someone who does not need it.
- Putting pads over clothing or a medicine patch; take patches off and wipe the skin.
- Touching the person while it analyzes or shocks.
- Waiting for the AED before starting compressions.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to use an AED
What to say
To use an AED, switch it on and do exactly what its voice says: bare and dry the chest, then stick the pads where the pictures show. One goes below the right collarbone and the other on the left side below the armpit, and nobody touches the person while it checks the rhythm. Press the shock button if told, then restart chest compressions right away.
What to show, in order
- Keep CPR going while someone opens the AED case and switches it on.
- Remove or cut away clothing from the chest, and wipe the chest dry.
- Peel a pad and place it on the upper right chest, below the collarbone.
- Place the other pad on the left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit, as the pictures show.
- Plug in the pad cable if it is not already connected.
- Say out loud that everyone must stand clear, and make sure no one is touching the person while it analyzes.
- Press the shock button if the AED tells you to; some shock automatically.
- Restart chest compressions immediately after the shock or when told no shock is advised.
When to stop and call a professional
- Always call 911 first, or have someone call, before and while using an AED.
- For a child, use child pads if the case has them, and follow the device's prompts.
- Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.
The check question
Ask: Can an AED shock someone who does not need it?
Related skills
- How to do hands-only CPR
- Signs of a heart attack
- What to say when you call 911
- Every skill in First Aid and Emergencies
Words on this page
Sources
- National resuscitation and first aid guidelines, 2025 guidelines. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .