Defibrillator training is essential when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, as their heart suddenly stops beating normally. In this critical first aid situation, access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can make the difference between life and death. Throughout Australia, these life-saving devices are becoming increasingly available in public places, workplaces, and shopping centres.
Understanding how to use a defibrillator is a crucial part of the “chain of survival” for anyone experiencing cardiac arrest. Statistics show that for every minute without defibrillation, a casualty’s chance of survival drops by 10%. When an AED is used within the first 3-5 minutes, survival rates can increase from just 6% to over 70%.
This blog is designed to provide participants with basic knowledge and understanding to enable use of a defibrillator in an emergency situation when required. Whether you’re a trained first aid responder or simply want to be prepared, learning how to use an AED could help you save a life.
Understanding AEDs: The Basics
Quality defibrillator training covers how an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can analyse a patient’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to the heart when needed. This shock, known as defibrillation, helps restore normal rhythm when someone is experiencing ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia—two common causes of sudden cardiac arrest.
Modern AEDs (often called “defibs” for short) are remarkably user-friendly. When you open the device, it provides clear instructions, often through voice prompts and visual cues. The AED analyses the casualty’s heart rhythm and will only advise a shock if it detects a shockable rhythm.
There are several myths about AEDs that need clearing up:
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Myth: Only medical professionals can use a defib.
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Reality: AEDs are specifically designed for use by anyone, with or without medical training.
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Myth: You could accidentally shock someone who doesn’t need it.
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Reality: The AED analyses the heart rhythm and will not deliver a shock unless it’s necessary.
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Myth: AEDs are complicated to use.
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Reality: Modern defibrillators offer step-by-step guidance through the entire process.
Different types of AEDs are available throughout Australia, but all follow similar principles and are designed to be accessible to the public.
Step-by-Step: Use a Defibrillator in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Emergency
Proper defibrillator training teaches that when you encounter someone who may be suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, following these steps could save their life:
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Ensure safety: Check that the scene is safe for you and the casualty.
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Check responsiveness: Tap the person’s shoulders and ask loudly if they’re OK.
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Call for help: Ask someone to call 000 for emergency services while you begin CPR.
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Retrieve the AED: If an accessible defibrillator is nearby, get it immediately or ask someone to bring it.
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Turn on the AED: Most units activate when you open the lid or press the power button.
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Follow the prompts: The AED provides voice and visual instructions.
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Expose the patient’s chest: Remove or cut away clothing covering the chest.
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Attach the pads: Place them as shown in the pictures on the pads themselves.
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Let the AED analyse: Stop CPR and ensure no one touches the casualty during analysis.
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Deliver shock if advised: Make sure everyone is clear of the patient before pressing the shock button.
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Resume CPR: After shock delivery (or if no shock is advised), immediately resume chest compressions.
Common mistakes to avoid include placing pads over medication patches or implanted devices, touching the casualty during analysis, and forgetting to resume CPR after shock delivery.
Use an AED with CPR
Effective defibrillator training emphasises that CPR and defibrillation work hand-in-hand to give a cardiac arrest casualty the best chance of survival. While CPR manually pumps blood around the body to maintain oxygen flow to vital organs, an AED provides the electric shock needed to restore normal heart rhythm.
The “chain of survival” concept emphasises how each link in emergency response matters:
- Early recognition and call for help
- Early CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Advanced life support and post-resuscitation care
When you’re alone with a casualty:
- Call 000 immediately
- Start CPR
- Use the AED as soon as possible
- Follow the AED’s instructions about when to stop CPR
When working as part of a team:
- One person calls emergency services
- One person starts CPR
- Another retrieves and applies the defibrillator
- Rotate CPR duties every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue
Remember that high-quality chest compressions are crucial. Push hard and fast (100-120 compressions per minute), allowing full chest recoil between compressions. The AED will instruct you when to stop CPR for analysis and potential shock delivery.
Special Considerations
Using AEDs on Children Comprehensive defibrillator training covers special considerations for using AEDs on children, though special considerations apply. Many AEDs come with paediatric pads or a key/switch that adjusts the energy level for children. If paediatric pads aren’t available, adult pads can be used ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. For children under 8 years old, place one pad on the front of the chest and one on the back if the pads are too large to fit on the front without overlapping.
Patients with Pacemakers or Implanted Devices If you notice a visible lump with a surgical scar on a casualty’s upper chest, they likely have a pacemaker or implanted cardiac device. Place the AED pad at least 8cm away from the device. The other pad should be placed in its normal position. This ensures the defibrillator’s current doesn’t damage the implanted device while still effectively treating the casualty.
Pregnancy and Other Special Circumstances AEDs are safe to use on pregnant women. The priority is saving the mother’s life, which gives the unborn baby the best chance of survival. After defibrillation, if possible, tilt the pregnant woman slightly to one side to reduce pressure on major blood vessels.
Other considerations include:
- Wet environments: Quickly dry the casualty’s chest before applying pads
- Medication patches: Remove them and wipe the area before pad placement
- Excessive chest hair: Use the spare set of pads to quickly remove hair by applying and ripping away, or use the razor if included in the AED kit
Workplace Implementation
Australian organisations have both legal and ethical responsibilities regarding defibrillators in the workplace, and proper defibrillator training ensures these responsibilities are met. While not mandatory in all workplaces, providing an accessible defibrillator demonstrates a commitment to staff safety and wellbeing.
Legal considerations include:
- Work Health and Safety regulations recommend AEDs as part of first aid equipment, especially in high-risk workplaces
- Having staff trained in defibrillator use may count toward compliance with first aid requirements
- Good Samaritan legislation throughout Australia protects responders who use AEDs in good faith
Creating an effective AED program involves:
- Conducting a site assessment to determine optimal AED placement
- Developing a clear action plan for cardiac emergencies
- Training staff through registered training organisations
- Assigning responsibility for AED maintenance and checks
- Integrating AED locations into evacuation maps and safety information
Maintenance and accessibility guidelines:
- AEDs should be visible and accessible 24/7
- Regular checks of battery and pad expiration dates are essential
- Create a tracking system for maintenance to ensure your defib is always ready
- Consider using AED cabinets with alarms to prevent theft while maintaining accessibility
- Many suppliers now offer programs where replacement pads can be ordered online with use Australia Post for quick delivery
An organisation’s defibrillation awareness online course will provide staff with the confidence to act quickly during an emergency. Such training doesn’t replace a full first aid course but ensures more people understand how to use these life-saving devices.
Conclusion: Beyond the Training
Learning how to use a defibrillator is an invaluable skill, but the journey doesn’t end with a single defibrillator training course. To truly be prepared for a first aid situation involving cardiac arrest, ongoing development is essential.
Refresher courses are vital because skills and knowledge can fade over time. Most accredited first aid certifications recommend renewal every year, but practising mentally more frequently helps maintain confidence.
Building confidence comes through practice. Consider:
- Participating in workplace emergency drills
- Mentally rehearsing the steps when you see AEDs in public places
- Downloading AED training apps that simulate emergency scenarios
- Watching instructional videos to reinforce proper techniques
Community resources for ongoing support include:
- Brisbane First Aid Courses refresher sessions
- AED location apps that show nearby defibs in an emergency
- Local community first aid groups
Your willingness to learn these skills makes our communities safer for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a defibrillator training course typically take?
Brisbane First Aid Courses offers AED training that can be completed in as little as 2 hours. This focused training covers all the essentials of operating a defibrillator in an emergency situation. For more comprehensive skills, consider our full first aid certification which includes AED training as part of the complete HLTAID011 Provide First Aid qualification.
Can I use an AED if I haven't completed a defibrillator training course?
Yes, you can and should use an AED in an emergency even without formal training. Defibrillators are designed with clear instructions and voice prompts to guide any responder through the process. However, attending a training course with Brisbane First Aid Courses significantly increases your confidence and effectiveness, potentially making the critical difference in an emergency situation when required.
How often do AEDs need maintenance, and what does this involve?
AEDs require regular checks to ensure they’re ready for use in an emergency. Most manufacturers recommend monthly visual inspections to confirm the status indicator shows the device is ready for use. Check the expiry dates on pads (typically 2-5 years) and batteries (typically 3-7 years).
