AED is the abbreviation for Automated External Defibrillator. This name describes exactly what kind of device it is and what it does:

Automatic An AED independently analyzes the victim's heart rhythm and determines if a shock is necessary. 

External You use the device on the outside of the body. You attach self-adhesive pads (electrodes) to the victim's bare chest.

Defibrillator During cardiac arrest, there is often 'fibrillation': the heart beats chaotically. The AED gives the heart an electric shock to de-fibrillate it and thus stimulate the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again.

You use an AED if you suspect someone is having a cardiac arrest. You can use an Recognize cardiac arrest to various symptoms, such as suddenly collapsing, unconsciousness, or gasping for air. Call 112 immediately, start CPR, and have an AED fetched. The faster you deploy an AED, the greater the victim's chance of survival. Good to know: an AED can only deliver a shock if the victim actually has a shockable heart rhythm.

Who can operate an AED?
In the Benelux, anyone can use an AED. Although resuscitation training helps to remain calm during a real incident, AEDs are designed so that a bystander without experience can also provide immediate assistance. The AED tells you exactly what to do.

Do you want to use an AED? Then turn on the AED with the ON button or by opening the cover. After this, listen carefully to the spoken and/or visual instructions.

1. Placing electrodes: Place the two adhesive electrodes on the victim's bare chest (refer to the images on the pads).
2. Analyze: The AED is now automatically analyzing the heart's activity. Do not touch the victim.
3. The shock: Does the AED detect a shockable rhythm? If so, the AED will automatically or manually (with the shock button) administer a shock. Does the AED not detect a shockable rhythm? For example, because the heart has stopped completely? In that case, the AED will not administer a shock and will instruct you to continue with CPR.