Get the Equipment You Need — FREE SHIPPING on ALL Training Supplies! Use Coupon Code SAVEAHEART at checkout! Shop Now >
Learn More for Less — 10% OFF on ALL Books & DVDs! Use Coupon Code PULSECHECK at checkout! Shop Now >
20% OFF r.25 First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Kits! No Coupon Code Required at checkout! Shop Now >
Be Emergency Ready — 10% OFF on ALL First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Supplies! Use Coupon Code HEARTBOOST at checkout! Shop Now >
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
Date Published: November 11, 2026
When someone suddenly collapses from cardiac arrest, the people nearby may be the first ones able to help. You do not have to be a healthcare professional to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Coworkers, teachers, coaches, parents and other bystanders can help during a cardiac arrest emergency by retrieving and using an available AED.
Using medical equipment in an emergency may feel intimidating. CPR/AED training can help you feel more prepared, but lack of training should not stop you from acting. Call 911, start CPR and use an available AED to provide critical help until emergency medical services arrive.
Anyone can use an AED during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency. AEDs are designed for both trained and untrained responders and provide simple prompts that guide users through the process. Responders may include employees, teachers, coaches, parents, bystanders and security personnel.
Formal training or certification is not required to use an AED; however, training can help responders become familiar with recognizing cardiac emergencies, performing CPR, placing AED pads and working with other responders before an emergency occurs.
CPR and AED training prepares you to respond to cardiac arrest at home, at work and in the community. Practicing these skills helps you become more familiar with the order of care, from recognizing an emergency and calling 911 to starting CPR and using an AED until emergency medical services arrive.
Learning CPR and AED skills prepares you to act during an emergency, including:
Check the person for responsiveness and breathing before using an AED. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or is only gasping, call 911, begin CPR and have someone retrieve an AED if one is available.
AEDs are designed for use by both trained and untrained responders. You do not need to be a healthcare professional to follow the device’s visual or voice prompts during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.
A bystander can use an AED to help someone in sudden cardiac arrest. The device guides the user through placing the pads, analyzing the heart rhythm and taking the next step if a shock is needed.
Employees can use an AED at work. CPR and AED training can help employees learn where the device is located, how to use it and how to work with others as part of the workplace emergency plan.
Teachers and coaches can use an AED if someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive, two signs of a possible cardiac arrest. CPR and AED training can help them practice responding to cardiac arrest in adults and children and become familiar with the equipment available at their school or sports facility.
You can keep an AED at home. Store it where household members can reach it quickly, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and replace pads or batteries when needed. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether keeping an AED at home is appropriate.
AEDs are commonly located in public places and workplaces where many people gather. You may find AEDs in airports, community centers, gyms, offices, schools, shopping centers and sports facilities. Signs or wall-mounted cabinets may help you locate an AED quickly.
AEDs provide visual or voice instructions throughout use. The device guides you through steps such as placing the pads, staying clear during heart rhythm analysis, delivering a shock if advised and resuming CPR.
CPR courses include AED training and hands-on practice. Check the course description to confirm that both CPR and AED skills are included.
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross. Our mission is to advance lifesaving education so you are better to prepared. Our robust training curriculum includes CPR and AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Babysitting and Child Care, Lifeguarding, Water Safety and more.
