How to Use an AED

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death in the critical seconds after a heart attack. AED’s are often the only hope of survival until emergency personnel arrive.

Don’t know how to use an AED? Don’t worry. It's simple. Turn on the AED, Follow the Prompts/Instructions and press SHOCK if instructed to do so. 

In recent years, public locations including airports, malls, gyms and office complexes have all worked to make AEDs more readily available for the public. After you’ve watched the above video, know that AEDs can be operated in three simple steps: Turn on and apply the AED to the person, follow the verbal commands and prompts and finally, click the shock button when the AED instructs you to.

Remember, the moments after a heart attack are crucial. So act quickly and be confident!

Apply for an AED with Living for Zachary

Automated external defibrillators are portable electronic devices that save thousands of lives each year! The device checks heart rhythm, diagnosis potential heart conditions and sends electrical impulses to the heart and attempts to “shock” it back into regular rhythm.

Because heart disease, illnesses and conditions are becoming more of a concern for patients worldwide, it’s important to realize that disaster can strike at any time. 

Taking precautionary steps can help lower your risk for heart complications, but it’s not guaranteed to keep you safe at all times. That’s why protection methods are just as needed as prevention methods.

Ask your business, school or church to be proactive in installing an AED somewhere within the facility to be available in case of a disaster. AEDs are simple to use, and many call out vocal commands to the user on where to put the sensors and steps to take in order for it to work properly. They’re so easy to use that anyone can save a life and it could just be you. 

Practice protection and prevention, join the cause to get AEDs put in more public spaces. 


Learn how to locate and use an AED - it will change your life if you have to use it. For information on the Living for Zachary AED Donation Program visit www.Living4zchary.org or click here. 

Apply for an AED - it cannot hurt!

Be prepared this summer just in case...

The upcoming summer is an exciting time! Pools, beaches and lakes all call our names, so
students and adults alike are taking CPR classes for lifeguarding certification and for other
preventative reasons to prepare to enjoy the summer safely.

While these CPR classes are being offered, it is also a good time to learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Cardiovascular illnesses and other heart-related disasters are striking more and more individuals, some even taking innocent lives. SCA does not pick and choose the victims.

When emergency strikes, individuals who are prepared to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be an essential element for survival of the afflicted person. Often times, emergency services can take 15 minutes to arrive on scene and an appropriate use on an AED can help increase the likelihood of survival by 70%!

AEDs are simple to use and most speak instructions to you as they are being used so to slowly
guide you through the process of applying and using an AED.

While others are learning safety skills, take the same time to learn something that can be useful
at a local swimming hole or in a crowded shopping mart. A life may be saved because of it.

Living for Zachary donates AED's each year to organizations that work directly with youth, demonstrate a financial need for an AED and are located in Texas.

To find out more information about how to apply for a AED through the Living for Zachary AED program  - click here. Visit Living for Zachary for more information on AED's and SCA.