AED Information

CPR and early defibrillation have proven to be significant factors in improved out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.  An AED is a device that can be placed onto a victim's chest to assess the heart's rhythm and, if needed, automatically deliver an appropriate level of electrical shock to the victim's heart, hopefully restoring normal heart rhythm. For this reason, AED’s have been provided throughout the campus and are available for use during a cardiac arrest event.  Proper maintenance and care of the AED units is also critical to the proper functionality of the units.

AED USE Quick Reference 

Zoll AED Plus



  • Turn the AED on
    Once sudden cardiac arrest is suspected, turn on the AED by pressing the power or on/off button.

  • Follow visual and voice prompts
    Open the AED lid and listen carefully to the spoken instructions while following the pictures displayed on the device.

  • Check responsiveness
    Gently shake the victim and ask, “Are you okay?” to see if they respond.

  • Call for help
    Call 911 immediately, or direct someone nearby to call for emergency assistance.

  • Open the airway
    Tilt the victim’s head back and lift the chin to open the airway.

  • Check breathing
    Look for chest movement, listen for breathing, and feel for air movement. Check for normal breathing only.

  • Attach electrode pads
    Place the AED electrode pads firmly on the victim’s bare chest as shown on the diagrams.

  • Stay clear of the victim
    Make sure no one is touching the victim while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.

  • Follow the audio prompts
    If instructed, press the flashing shock button to deliver a shock. (Some AEDs deliver the shock automatically.)

  • Administer CPR until help arrives
    If the victim is unresponsive, begin CPR as directed by the AED.

  • Continue CPR with AED guidance
    Perform chest compressions at the indicated rate and depth. The AED provides feedback and will prompt you to pause every two minutes for rhythm analysis.

  • Maintain an open airway
    Keep the airway open using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique, or use the AED lid as a passive airway support if instructed, until emergency responders arrive.