Medically approved protocols for use of an AED in King County

Critical actions

• Assess responsiveness:
  Is the person conscious? Breathing normally? If not conscious and not breathing normally, yell for help and call 911. If possible put phone on "speaker" and place near the patient.
  
  
• Begin chest compressions:
  Push hard and push fast at a rate of at least 100 per minute.
  
  
• If you can see or know there is an AED nearby:
  Get the AED and use it. If an AED is not nearby, continue chest compressions.
  
  
• 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. If the AED tells you to press the "Shock" Button, do so. DO NOT touch the patient.
  • If the AED says "no shock indicated," begin chest compressions. Continue to follow the AED voice prompts until Emergency Medical Services arrives and takes over.