First Aid

When An AED Is Available

British Red Cross

If someone is not moving and does not respond when you call them or gently shake their shoulders, they are unresponsive. Shout for help.

1. Check breathing by tilting their head back and looking, listening and feeling for breaths.

Do this for no more than ten seconds. When a person is unresponsive, their muscles relax and their tongue can block their airway so they can no longer breathe. Tilting their head back opens the airway by moving the tongue forward. If they are not breathing, their chest and stomach will not be moving and you will not hear or feel their breaths.

2. If they are not breathing call 999 as soon as possible.

If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.

3. Tell someone to get an AED as soon as possible.  

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator (defib). It is a machine that can correct an abnormal heart rhythm by giving an electric shock. AEDs can be found in many public places.  

4. Give chest compressions: push firmly downwards in the middle of the chest and then release.

Chest compressions help blood continue pumping around the body. This keeps vital organs alive, including the brain. Many people call this CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  

5.  When the AED arrives open the case and follow the voice prompts. 

Common questions about helping someone who is unresponsive and not breathing when an AED is available

Who can use an AED?

Anyone can use an AED. The AED will only shock someone if needed – it would never shock a healthy heart. The AED will give you instructions on how to help someone if a shock is not needed.

Where can I find an AED?

AEDs are available in many public places, such as train stations, shopping centres or schools.

If I am alone, should I leave the person to get an AED?

No, call 999 and start chest compressions. Your priority is to pump blood around the person’s body until help arrives. Call out for help and if another person arrives before the ambulance, tell them to get an AED as quickly as possible.

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