At AED Advantage, we’re committed to helping you feel prepared and confident to save lives.
Whether you’re new to AEDs or just want to know more about how these life-saving devices work, our FAQ provides you with clear, straightforward answers. From understanding how defibrillators work to practical tips on maintenance and safety, we’re here to help protect your community from cardiac emergencies.
Why should I have an AED?
Simply put, AEDs save lives. Designed for ease of use, these devices guide anyone—regardless of medical training—through the steps to save a life while waiting for emergency services.
Whether you’re equipping a workplace, a community center, or even your home or vacation cottage, having a properly maintained and accessible AED ensures you're prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This condition can strike without warning. By combining AED use with CPR, survival rates for SCA victims can increase by nearly 40%. For businesses, public spaces, or personal use (like at home, the cottage, or while traveling), an AED adds an invaluable layer of safety and peace of mind for everyone present.
SCA occurs when the heart stops beating properly, often due to a disturbance in its electrical system, such as ventricular fibrillation. Unlike a heart attack caused by a blockage, SCA causes the heart to quiver ineffectively, cutting off blood flow to the brain and vital organs. Immediate action is critical—every minute without defibrillation and CPR reduces the chances of survival by about 10%.
Is an AED the same as CPR?
While both AEDs and CPR are crucial in cardiac emergencies, they serve different purposes:
- CPR keeps blood flowing to vital organs through chest compressions and rescue breaths.
- AEDs analyze heart rhythms, deliver shocks to correct irregularities, and guide rescuers through CPR.
AED training focuses on device operation and pad placement, while CPR training includes chest compressions, rescue breathing, and recognizing cardiac arrest. Many courses combine both, offering a complete approach to emergency response.
Are AEDs mandatory in Canada?
Canada doesn’t yet have national legislation requiring AEDs, but many provinces and territories are actively working to increase accessibility. Laws and initiatives are already in place in some regions to ensure AEDs are available in public spaces, workplaces, and key industries—and the momentum is growing.
Take the lead in making your space safer. Check your local requirements and consider adding an AED today. Being prepared means you’re ready to make a life-saving difference when it counts most.
Learn more about AED programs and requirements.
Does insurance cover AEDs?
Insurance coverage for AEDs in Canada varies:
- Personal Use: Standard health insurance typically doesn’t cover AEDs. However, some private insurance providers may consider covering part or all of the expenses if a physician prescribes an AED due to a diagnosed medical condition.
- Organizations: Liability or health-related policies may include AED requirements if necessary for workplace safety.
Check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Do I need CPR Training to operate an AED?
All of our AED machines guide rescuers through the resuscitation process with little or no training; however, basic first aid and CPR training are always valuable skills. All public-access AEDs are designed to be easy for bystanders to use, with either audio instructions, visual cues, or a combination of both to assist the rescuer.
Do AEDs require calibration?
Modern AEDs don’t require manual calibration because they are preprogrammed to deliver the correct shock based on the detected heart rhythm. In this context, calibration is about ensuring the device functions as intended, which modern AEDs handle automatically.
They’re also designed to perform regular self-checks, ensuring they’re always ready. Self-tests typically include:
- Checking battery life.
- Verifying pad connections.
- Monitoring internal circuitry.
However, you do need to monitor and maintain the device by:
- Replacing consumables like batteries and electrode pads before their expiration dates.
- Responding to alerts if the device signals a maintenance or fault issue.
- Following manufacturer recommendations for routine inspections or professional servicing, if required.
How and where do I store an AED?
The most essential thing in an emergency is to be able to locate your AED quickly. The best thing to do is to put it somewhere visible, easily accessible, and in a high-traffic area.
Opt for AED cabinets and wall-mounted brackets that keep your device visible and ready, including heated cabinets designed for outdoor use. Add clear, bold signage to guide responders directly to the AED, and consider mobile options for flexibility in high-traffic or large spaces.
Are there legal implications for using an AED?
In Canada, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during an emergency carries minimal legal risks. Thanks to Good Samaritan legislation enacted in most provinces, individuals who assist someone in distress by using an AED in good faith are generally protected from lawsuits. These laws aim to encourage bystanders to help without fear of legal repercussions.
If you use an AED to help during a cardiac emergency, you are legally safeguarded as long as your actions are reasonable and intended to save a life. This protection removes a common barrier to providing life-saving assistance and reinforces the importance of acting quickly in emergencies.
When is it unsafe to use an AED?
AEDs are a very safe way for bystanders to provide lifesaving care. There are no dangers of using a defibrillator when needed, and no significant side effects. However, some situations require precautions to ensure the safe, effective use of an AED:
1. While Touching the Victim
Never touch the victim during defibrillation or while the AED is analyzing. Physical contact can:
- Pose a risk of shock to the rescuer.
- Disrupt the AED’s ability to analyze the heart rhythm accurately.
2. On a Wet or Conductive Surface
Using an AED in or near water can be dangerous. Always ensure the victim is on a dry, non-conductive surface.
- Water Contact: Move the victim out of puddles, rain, or wet environments.
- Metal Surfaces: Avoid areas like bleachers or sheet metal to prevent electrical shock transfer
3. In a Moving Vehicle
Movement can interfere with the AED’s ability to analyze the heart rhythm correctly. Stop the vehicle and ensure a stable environment before using the device.
4. With a Nitroglycerin Patch or Similar
Medication patches on the chest can block the shock or cause burns. Remove patches carefully before applying AED pads.
5. On Children Under Age 8 or Under 90 Pounds
Standard AEDs are not typically suitable for young children unless equipped with pediatric pads or settings. Check your AED for pediatric capabilities and follow local protocols.
6. Around Flammable Materials
Using an AED near substances like gasoline, free-flowing oxygen, or other flammable materials can spark fires. Ensure the environment is free of flammable substances before delivering a shock.
7. Using Alcohol to Dry the Chest
Alcohol is highly flammable and should never be used to prepare the chest for AED pads. Use a clean, dry cloth instead.
8. Near Cellular Phones or Radios
Devices like cell phones and radios should be at least six feet away from the AED. Electronic interference can impact the AED’s performance.
9. With Excessive Chest Hair
Thick chest hair can prevent AED pads from adhering properly, reducing effectiveness. Quickly shave the area if necessary to ensure good contact.
10. On Victims with Implanted Devices
Avoid placing pads directly over pacemakers or other implants. Adjust the pads to at least one inch away from the device.
11. On a Conscious or Breathing Victim
AEDs are designed for unresponsive, non-breathing individuals. Do not use the device on someone who shows signs of life or normal breathing.
How many times can you use a defibrillator on a person?
There is no specific limit to how many times an AED can be used during a cardiac emergency. The device is designed to analyze the heart rhythm repeatedly and deliver shocks as needed based on the patient’s condition.
- Continual Analysis: After each shock, the AED pauses to reassess the heart rhythm. If another shock is necessary, the AED prompts the user to deliver it.
- Automatic Programming: AEDs are built to deliver only medically necessary shocks, protecting the patient from unnecessary or harmful interventions.
The critical point is to follow the AED’s instructions and continue using it for as long as the situation requires, ensuring the best chance of survival until professional medical help arrives.
What do I do if my patient is a child?
For patients smaller than 30 kg or younger than 8 years of age, use pediatric pads to lower the charge. If none are available, national and manufacturer guidelines advise using adult pads.
Shop our collection of AED pads to transform your device into a pediatric defibrillator.
Can you use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?
Yes, you can use an AED on someone with a pacemaker, but there are some important precautions to follow:
- Pad Placement
- Pacemakers are usually implanted below the collarbone on either side of the chest.
- Place the AED pads at least one inch away from the pacemaker to prevent interference and ensure the shock is delivered effectively.
- Follow AED Instructions
- Use the AED as you normally would. The device will analyze the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed, regardless of the pacemaker’s presence.
- Identify the Pacemaker
- Look for signs like a medical alert bracelet or the outline of the pacemaker under the skin. These can help guide pad placement.
- Prioritize Action
- Do not delay using the AED if you’re unsure about the pacemaker’s location. Acting quickly is critical to saving the person’s life.
- Inform Emergency Responders
- Let paramedics or emergency responders know about the pacemaker and any shocks delivered. Pacemakers are designed to regulate heart rhythms, but during cardiac arrest, the AED is needed to override irregular rhythms and restore a normal heartbeat.
Why choose an AED without a monitor screen?
While cost is often a consideration, the best reason for selecting an AED without a monitor screen is its simplicity and user-friendliness. These devices are ideal for environments where responders might not have medical training and must act quickly in high-stress situations.
1. Ease of Use
Screen-free AEDs rely on clear voice prompts and visual indicators to guide users step by step. This straightforward approach reduces confusion and makes them accessible to anyone, regardless of experience.
2. Enhanced Durability
With fewer fragile components, AEDs without screens are more durable and better suited for:
- Outdoor Use: They can withstand more challenging environments.
- High-Traffic Areas: Reliable in locations where wear and tear are common.
3. Portability
These devices are lightweight and compact, making them easier to transport during emergencies—a critical feature when every second counts.
4. Simplified Maintenance
Screen-free AEDs have fewer components to maintain or replace. This reduces the chances of malfunction and ensures the device is always ready.
Why do AED pads expire?
AED pads expire because the materials used in their construction degrade over time, which can impact their effectiveness during an emergency. Here’s why regular replacement is essential:
1. Adhesive Gel Deterioration
The adhesive gel on AED pads is crucial for secure attachment to the skin. Over time, this gel can:
- Dry Out: Reducing stickiness and compromising contact.
- Lose Effectiveness: Poor attachment can prevent proper electrical shock delivery, limiting the AED’s ability to restore normal heart rhythm.
2. Breakdown of Conductive Materials
The pads contain electrodes and conductive materials designed to deliver precise electrical impulses. Over time, these materials can degrade, potentially affecting the accuracy and strength of the shock.
3. Manufacturer Testing and Guidelines
Expiration dates are set by manufacturers based on extensive testing to ensure the pads meet performance and safety standards. Using pads past their expiration date increases the risk of failure during critical moments.
4. Environmental Factors
Conditions like temperature and humidity can accelerate material degradation. Proper storage in a cool, dry place can help maintain pad quality but cannot extend their lifespan beyond the expiration date.
How long are AED pads good for after the expiration date?
Though some expired pads might still function shortly after the expiration date, the risk of failure increases significantly. The expiration date is the manufacturer’s assurance of reliability, and using pads beyond this point could lead to poor outcomes in critical moments.
That’s why it’s critical to replace expired pads. Check out our collection of replacement pads to keep your AED ready for action.
Manufacturer Guidelines:
Manufacturers establish expiration dates to ensure the pads perform as intended during emergencies. Ignoring these dates may leave your AED ineffective when it’s needed most.
How should I dispose of AED pads?
Consult your local waste management authorities or healthcare facilities for specific disposal instructions, as regulations vary by region. Proper disposal of AED pads protects both public health and the environment.
Here are some general guidelines:
- Unused or expired AED pads: Unused pads can typically be disposed of in regular household waste, as they are non-hazardous and do not require special handling. However, it’s always a good idea to check local regulations to ensure compliance with any specific disposal requirements in your area.
- If the AED pads have been used: They may be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids and should be treated as biohazardous waste. In such cases, they should be placed in a biohazard bag and disposed of according to local medical waste guidelines. This ensures the safety of anyone handling the waste and prevents contamination.
- Cut electrode wires before disposal: To prevent any unintended reuse, it is recommended that AED pads, whether used or unused, be cut off before disposal.
How long are AED batteries good for?
AED batteries typically last 2 to 5 years, depending on the device's make and model and the type of battery used. Manufacturers specify an expiration date or a "replace-by" date to ensure the battery remains reliable for emergencies.
Factors like storage conditions and usage also affect the battery's lifespan. Most AEDs have built-in self-check systems that monitor battery status and alert users when the battery is low. Regularly checking these indicators and adhering to replacement schedules is crucial to ensure the device is operational when needed.
Even if an AED battery shows no signs of depletion, it should be replaced by the manufacturer's recommended date to guarantee optimal performance. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and replacement to ensure the AED is ready to save lives.
Be Prepared for Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies can happen at any time, and we want you to be ready.
Browse our collection of cutting-edge, easy-to-use AED machines, including all-in-one bundles with everything you need for high-visibility storage wherever you need it.
