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

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

What to do in case of a sudden cardiac arrest?

In case of sudden cardiac arrest, the heart is in fibrillation, meaning that it is electrically disturbed, it contracts too quickly and in a desynchronized manner.

It is then necessary to massage the heart 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.

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

What is the purpose of a semi-automatic defibrillator?

Only a defibrillator can ensure the normal restart of a heart that is in fibrillation. 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, particularly with the Staying Alive mobile application.

How do I use a semi-automatic 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 awaiting rescue.

The defibrillator does not replace cardiac massage; it is complementary to it.

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

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