AED, or automated external defibrillator, is widely recognized as a lifesaving device for patients suffering from cardiac arrest.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing, they are likely in cardiac arrest. Call for help immediately, dial 120, and locate the nearest AED.

Although an AED is a medical device, it can be safely used by non-professionals who have received basic training.

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Steps to use an AED

Step 1: Turn on the AED

Turn on the device, and follow the voice prompts.

Step 2: Attach electrode pads to the patient

Remove the patient's clothing and attach the electrode pads to their bare skin.

Place one pad just below the right collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest, just below the nipple.

For children under 8 years or weighing less than 25 kg, use pediatric electrode pads or switch the device to pediatric mode. For smaller children, place one pad on the center of the chest and the other on the center of the back to avoid overlap.

If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult pads may be used.

Step 3: Analyze heart rhythm

Once the pads are connected, the AED will automatically analyze the heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient while the AED is analyzing.

Step 4: Deliver a shock

If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will issue a voice prompt: "Charging. Do not touch the patient." Once charging is complete, the shock button will flash. Confirm that no one is touching the patient, then press the shock button. A brief full-body muscle contraction may occur.

If a non-shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will prompt, "No shock advised. Continue CPR."

Step 5: Continue CPR immediately after defibrillation

After delivering a shock, resume cardiopulmonary resuscitation without delay. The AED will automatically reanalyze the heart rhythm after 2 minutes to determine whether another shock is needed.

Continue this cycle until the patient regains a heartbeat and spontaneous breathing, or until professional emergency responders arrive.

Things to remember when using an AED

Find a safe place: First, ensure that both the rescuer and the patient are in a safe environment.

Identify cardiac arrest: An AED should only be used when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or showing only agonal gasps.

AED use does not replace CPR: The arrival of an AED does not mean stopping CPR. Continue high-quality chest compressions while retrieving, powering on, and attaching the AED pads, and resume compressions immediately after each defibrillation.

Follow the AED voice prompts: When the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm or delivering a shock, it will clearly announce: "Do not touch the patient." Immediately pause CPR and ensure that no one is touching the patient during this time.

Where to find an AED?

AEDs are typically found in high-traffic areas such as subway stations, schools, sports venues, large shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings.

You can find an AED online by accessing the WeChat mini-program "AED First-aid Map" (AED急救地图).

 
In crowded public places such as shopping malls, stations and venues, ask security personnel, customer service staff, shop attendants, or other on-site staff. They are usually aware of the AED location.

If no one is available to ask, scan the surroundings, including entrances to residential community, subway stations, and sports venues.

Note: The golden window for rescuing a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest is just 4 minutes. For every minute of delay, the survival rate drops by about 10 percent.

Source: International Services Shanghai (https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/)

International Services Shanghai is an upgraded, multilingual portal for the Shanghai municipal government. It offers detailed policies, news updates, and useful tips for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education, or shopping.

Using an AED in an emergency follows 4 core steps, and it's designed for anyone to operate:
 
1. Turn on the AED: Open the device and follow its voice/visual prompts—this is the most critical step, as prompts will guide you through everything.
2. Attach pads: Peel off the electrode pads and stick them to the patient's bare chest: one on the upper right (below the collarbone) and the other on the lower left (near the ribs). Ensure no hair, sweat, or clothing blocks the pads.
3. Analyze rhythm: Let the AED automatically check the patient's heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient during this process—any contact will interfere with the analysis.
4. Deliver shock (if advised): If the AED recommends a shock, make sure everyone is clear of the patient, then press the "Shock" button. After the shock (or if no shock is needed), immediately resume CPR until professional help arrives.
 

1. Turn it on: Open the case and power on the AED. It will give you voice instructions.
2. Attach pads:Expose the person's bare chest. Wipe it dry if wet. Stick the adhesive electrode pads firmly onto the skin as shown in the pictures (upper right chest, lower left side).
3. Analyze:Ensure no one is touching the person. The AED will automatically analyze the heart rhythm.
4. Shock:If the AED advises a shock, it will charge. Again, make sure no one is touching the person. Press the flashing shock button.
5. Resume CPR: After the shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately begin or continue CPR (chest compressions). Follow the AED's prompts.

How to Use an AED in an Emergency

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device that restores normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a fatal condition if untreated. AEDs are designed for anyone—no training needed—using voice/visual prompts. Here's how to use one, step-by-step.

First, confirm the emergency and call for help. Check the scene for dangers (traffic, fire, water) to keep yourself and the victim safe. Tap the victim's shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” If they don't respond, aren't breathing normally, or only gasp (a sign of SCA), yell for someone to call 120(or your local emergency number) and grab the nearest AED. If alone, call first, then get the AED—every second matters.

Next, prepare the AED and victim. Open the AED case (most turn on automatically; if not, press “Power”). Follow its voice prompts: Remove the victim's chest clothing (shirts, bras). Dry their chest if wet (wet skin interferes with shocks); don't use alcohol/lotions. Take the pre-connected pads—stick one on the right upper chest (below the collarbone, near the shoulder) and the other on the left lower chest (below the nipple, near the hip). Press pads firmly. If the victim has thick chest hair, use the AED's included razor to quickly shave the pad area for better adhesion.

Then, let the AED analyze and act. Step back from the victim—no one should touch them while the AED checks their heart rhythm. If the AED says “Shock advised,” make sure everyone is clear (yell “Clear!”) and press the “Shock” button (some AEDs do this automatically). After the shock, the AED will tell you to start CPR: push hard and fast on the victim's chest (100–120 presses per minute) until emergency help arrives or the victim wakes up. If no shock is advised, the AED will still prompt you to do CPR—keep going, as it keeps blood flowing to vital organs.

Remember: AEDs are safe, and using one (with CPR) doubles SCA survival rates. Follow the prompts, stay calm, and act fast—you could save a life.

very useful question

Ensure scene safety. 

Check responsiveness/breathing. 

Call emergency services. Turn on AED; attach pads to bare chest (one below collarbone, one below armpit). 

Follow voice prompts. If shock advised, ensure no contact, deliver. 

Resume CPR immediately.