How to use an AED in a cardiac emergency

A step-by-step guide on how to use an automated external defibrillator, which is simple to use and critical in a crisis

11:35 AM

Author | Beata Mostafavi

How to Use an AED to Save a Life in a Cardiac Emergency | Anyone Can Do It
An easy step-by-step guide on how to use an AED in a cardiac emergency. Siani Johnson, Chris Hedley and Bob Felts, Michigan Medicine

Every minute counts during cardiac arrest.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or bystander, learning how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, can help save a life at school, an athletic event, work or anywhere an emergency happens.

Three things Jeff Zampi, M.D., pediatric cardiologist at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, wants people to know: anyone can use an AED, it can’t hurt you or the person who needs it and using the device is much simpler than you may think.

Importantly, AEDs provide clear voice instructions and will only deliver a shock if it’s needed.

In this video, Zampi provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the lifesaving device and explains what to expect in a cardiac emergency.

More than 350,000 people of all ages experience an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in the United States annually, with many of these cases resulting in death before reaching the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Early CPR and quick access to an AED significantly improve the chances of survival.

“You don’t have to be a doctor to save a life,” Zampi said. “Knowing where an AED is and being willing to use it can make all the difference.”

Sign up for Health Lab newsletters today. Get medical tips from top experts and learn about new scientific discoveries every week.

Sign up for the Health Lab Podcast. Add us wherever you listen to your favorite shows.  

More Articles About:

 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Children's Health Congenital Heart Disease Cardiovascular: Preventive Cardiology Congestive Heart Failure Sudden Cardiac Arrest Cardiovascular: Diseases & Conditions Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Pediatric Health Conditions Heart Health
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells

Health Lab

Explore thousands of health news & research stories by visiting the Health Lab homepage for more.

Media Contact
University Hospital at U-M Health in the spring with flowering trees in foreground and Survival Flight helicopter visible

Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

In This Story
Jeffrey Zampi

Jeffrey Zampi, MD

Clinical Professor

Related
heart beating large with lines through and woman next to it holding chest
Health Lab

Are schools and communities prepared for cardiac emergencies in teens?

National poll suggests many schools, families and communities may not be fully prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies in teens.
Health Lab

How lifesaving care after teen’s sudden cardiac arrest made motherhood possible years later

Once revived after a sudden cardiac arrest at soccer practice as a teenager, a woman returns to the same care team more than a decade later to safely grow her family.

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe

Featured News & Stories

 Minding memory above a microphone on a blue background
Minding Memory

Is the United States Lagging Behind Europe in Memory Improvement?

In this episode, Lauren & Matt speak with Neil Mehta, PhD who is the associate dean for research and a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Mehta’s research focuses on US life expectancy trends, the effects of obesity on disability and mortality, the sources of socioeconomic status disparities in mortality, and patterns of health in the United States and Europe. Dr. Mehta talks about a recent manuscript from the NIA-funded TRENDS study called “Trends in Memory Function and Memory Impairment Among Older Adults in the United States and Europe, 1996 to 2018.”, which looks at data from several sources to compare trends in memory function across 13 different countries.
 little girl with yellow shirt on soccer field smiling ready for soccer
Health Lab

Pediatric patient treated for rare kidney cancer

When 18-month-old Maria was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare kidney cancer, specialists at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital created a customized treatment plan that saved her life.
 e-bikes colorful riding close up of helmet
Health Lab

E-Bikes are everywhere, but most parents say they don’t know enough about them

Electric bikes have become a familiar sight in communities across the country, but most parents say they know little about them or where they’re supposed to be used, a national poll suggests.
 getty image of a woman bending over in a red seat in pain with green painted background
Health Lab

Who’s at risk for painful periods?

A University of Michigan-led study looked more closely at dysmenorrhea, which is pain that comes with menstruation, in girls before and after their first periods.
 surgeons in surgery operating room
Health Lab

Reducing infections after heart surgery could save Medicare $441 million per year

Study finds reducing infection rates after heart surgery could prevent 2,600 infections and save Medicare $441 million annually by bringing hospitals up to top performers.
 USNewsRankings Mott 2026
News Release

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital named No.1 children’s hospital in Michigan by U.S. News & World Report

University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has again been named the No. 1 children’s hospital in Michigan from U.S. News & World Report, marking the 20th consecutive year the hospital has ranked among the nation’s best for pediatric care.