AED Awareness in WA (How to Use a Defibrillator)
AED Awareness in WA – How to Use a Defibrillator
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is one of the most powerful tools in First Aid.
It can re set the heart, and when used quickly after a sudden cardiac arrest, it can triple the chance of survival.
The problem?
Many people are scared to use one — even though AEDs are simple, safe, and designed for everyday people.
Here’s a clear guide to AEDs in WA and how YOU can confidently use one in an emergency.
⭐ 1. What Is an AED?
An AED is a portable device that:
Analyses a person’s heart rhythm
Decides if a shock is needed
Tells you exactly what to do
Delivers a life-saving shock if required
You can’t “hurt someone by using an AED.”
It only shocks if the person needs it.
⭐ 2. Where You’ll Find AEDs in WA
AEDs are everywhere — but most people don’t notice them.
You can find AEDs at:
Shopping centres
Libraries
Schools
Gyms
Sports clubs
Community centres
Fast food outlets
Police stations
Council buildings
Beaches (surf clubs)
Many workplaces
In WA, you can also look up nearby AEDs using:
St John WA’s First Responder App
⭐ 3. When Should You Use an AED?
Use an AED as soon as possible when someone is:
Unresponsive
Not breathing normally
Gasping or barely breathing
Collapsed suddenly
CPR should begin immediately — but the AED should be attached as soon as it arrives.
⭐ 4. How to Use an AED (Step-by-Step)
AEDs talk to you with voice prompts.
✔ Step 1: Turn it on
Open the lid or press the power button.
✔ Step 2: Expose the chest
Remove clothing.
If chest is wet → quickly dry it.
If chest is hairy → use razor in the AED kit to shave patches.
✔ Step 3: Apply the pads
The pictures show EXACTLY where to place them:
One pad on the upper right chest
One on the lower left side of the chest
✔ Step 4: Stand clear
The AED will analyse the heart rhythm.
Do NOT touch the person.
✔ Step 5: Deliver the shock (if advised)
The AED will either:
Deliver it automatically, OR
Tell you: “Press the shock button now.”
Make sure no one is touching the patient.
✔ Step 6: Continue CPR
After the shock, continue CPR until:
The AED tells you to stop
The person starts breathing
Paramedics take over
⭐ 5. AED Safety – What You Need to Know
✔ You cannot shock someone who doesn’t need it
AEDs are incredibly smart.
✔ Safe for use on:
Adults
Children
Pregnant people
Elderly
Wet environments (just dry chest)
✔ Not dangerous to bystanders
If you follow “stand clear,” you’re safe.
✔ You can use an AED with no formal training
But training increases confidence, speed, and survival rates.
⭐ 6. Myths About AEDs (Busted)
❌ “I'll get in trouble if I shock someone wrong.”
False. AEDs won’t shock unless necessary.
❌ “Only paramedics can use them.”
False. AEDs are designed for untrained people.
❌ “It’s dangerous to use one near water.”
False. Just dry the chest area. The AED is safe.
❌ “CPR is enough — the AED isn’t needed.”
False.
CPR keeps the brain alive.
AED restarts the heart.
Both are needed.
⭐ Learning AED Use Makes You a Lifesaver
With proper CPR and AED use, survival can triple.
That’s why our courses include hands-on AED training using realistic training defibrillators.
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach AED use in:
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid
Small classes → Real equipment → Simple instructions.
⭐ Ready to Learn How to Use an AED Properly?
Training takes just a couple of hours — and it could save someone’s life.