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Medically-approved protocols for use of an AED in King County

  • Turn AED on

    Follow voice prompts.

  • Apply electrode pads

    On patient's bare chest.

  • Follow AED prompts. If prompted, press shock button

    The AED will determine if patient needs defibrillation shock

Critical actions

  • Assess responsiveness:
    Is the person conscious? Breathing normally? If the person is not conscious and not breathing or not breathing normally, yell for help and call 911. If possible put phone on speaker and place near the patient.

  • Begin chest compressions:
    Begin chest compressions. Push hard and push fast, at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute, or

  • If you can see or know there is an AED nearby:
    get the AED and use it. If an AED is not nearby, continue compressions until emergency responders arrive.

  • If someone is there to help:
    tell them to find an AED while you continue compressions.

  • When the AED arrives:
    • TURN ON the AED and follow the voice prompts.
    • Attach pads to patient's bare chest as shown in the pictures on the pads.
    • AED will "analyze" the heart rhythm. DO NOT touch the patient during the analysis.
    • If the AED tells you to press the "Shock" Button, do so. DO NOT touch the patient during the shock.
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