Save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use, portable device that can restart the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest. If someone unexpectedly collapses, is unresponsive and not breathing, that person is likely experiencing cardiac arrest. Their heart has stopped beating and their blood is no longer circulating oxygen to the brain, heart and vital organs. The person is at a high risk of dying and every second counts.
Anyone can use an AED. You don’t have to be a medical professional.
The device will only administer an electrical shock to a heart that needs it.
AEDs are available in various models, but they all operate in fundamentally the same way. You can use an AED by following three basic steps:
- Turn on the AED and listen to voice prompts for instructions.
- Remove clothing from chest
- Stick electrode pads to bare chest.
- Once you have the pads on, stand back from the patient while the AED decides whether a shock is needed.
- Continue to follow the voice prompts.
View all the AED locations on the UBC Vancouver Campus.
Learn more about AEDs at UBC and how to use them in less than 90 seconds and possibly save a life.