Locate your nearest public AED (automated external defibrillator) in Australia. Anyone can use an AED — no training required.
Use one of these registries to locate the nearest defibrillator in Australia.
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable, life-saving device that can check a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.
Anyone can use an AED. No medical training is needed. The device gives clear voice instructions that guide you through every step. It will only deliver a shock if the heart rhythm requires it — you cannot accidentally harm someone.
Call for an ambulance immediately. Put the phone on speaker so you can follow instructions while helping. The operator will guide you.
Open the case and press the power button (or it may turn on automatically when opened). The AED will begin giving you voice instructions immediately.
Remove or cut clothing from the person's chest. Peel the pads and place them on bare skin exactly as shown in the diagrams on the pads — one on the upper right chest, one on the lower left side.
The AED will analyse the heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, it will tell you. Make sure nobody is touching the person, then press the shock button. The AED will NOT shock unless it detects a shockable rhythm.
Follow the AED's instructions. It will tell you when to perform CPR and when to stop for another analysis. Continue until the ambulance arrives or the person starts breathing normally.
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately while waiting for the AED or ambulance.
Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Aim for a depth of about 5cm and a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute — that's roughly the tempo of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. If you're trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. If not trained, just do compressions — hands-only CPR is effective and far better than doing nothing.