How to use a fully-automated external defibrillator (AED)?

50,000 people die each year in France from cardiac arrest, or more than 130 per day.

What to do in case of cardiac arrest?

In case of cardiac arrest, the heart is in fibrillation, i.e. it is electrically out of sync, it contracts too quickly and out of sync.

The heart must then be massaged so that it continues to play its role as a pump and sends blood to the vital organs, especially the brain, to prevent their necrosis.

What is a defibrillator used for ?

But to hope to restart a heart, it must be defibrillated.

And only a defibrillator can ensure the normal restart of a heart that is in fibrillator. Its role is to detect a fibrillation of the heart and deliver one or more electric shocks.

It is estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 people could be saved each year by using a defibrillator, so it is vital to find out where defibrillators are located around you, especially with the Staying Alive mobile application.

How do I use a defibrillator?

This video explains how to use a defibrillator.

Before using the AED, remove the victim's clothing that is hiding his or her chest.

Turn on the device and follow the instructions.

When the electric shock has been delivered, resume cardiac massage while waiting for rescue.

The defibrillator does not replace cardiac massage, it is a supplement.

How do I perform cardiac massage after a malaise?

To learn how to give cardiac massage after a malaise, you can watch our video How to give cardiac massage to an adult after a malaise?

To learn how to recognize a heart attack, you can watch our video What are the signs to recognize a heart attack?