Can you kill someone by using an AED incorrectly? Busting the myths around defibrillator use

You might have seen Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) mounted on a wall or in a cabinet when you’ve been out and about and thought ‘could I use that in an emergency?’ or ‘what if I get it wrong, could I make it worse or even kill someone?’.

We all hope we’ll never need to use an AED, and the fear of doing harm when using one is a common concern. However, these life-saving devices are designed to be safe and simple to use, even in the hands of someone with no medical training.

In this blog, we’ll explore AEDs, how they’re used and help you to understand whether you can kill someone by using them incorrectly in an emergency situation.

Can you kill someone by using an AED wrongly?

The short answer is no.

You cannot make the situation worse by using an AED and you definitely can’t kill anyone by using it.

An AED (or defibrillator) is used when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating effectively and needs a shock to reset its rhythm. Defibrillators are designed to be used by people who are not medically trained to help provide treatment quickly until the emergency services arrive.

Defibrillators are safe and have built in safeguards to prevent misuse during an emergency. The device analyses the patient’s heart rhythm through the electrode pads and, if it detects a shockable rhythm, it will instruct the user to press a button and deliver the required shock. If there’s no need for a shock, the defibrillator won’t let you give one. The technology ensures that the decision to shock is made by the device, not the person using it.

Even if you don’t quite place the pads in the correct place or stumble with the steps, the AED will guide you with clear voice prompts to make sure the shock is only delivered if it’s needed.

The device will not allow you to make a fatal mistake.

What makes AEDs so safe? Even for beginners

AEDs are specifically designed to be used by ordinary people in an emergency. They’re usually placed in public spaces, workplaces, schools and even homes. These are all places where a medical professional might not be available when someone experiences cardiac arrest. That’s why safety, simplicity and reliability are essential when it comes to AEDs.

Here's a few reasons why they’re so safe:

• ·         The AED decides, not you – this is the most important safety feature. The device performs an automatic analysis of the heart’s rhythm through the adhesive electrode pads and decides whether a shock is required. If no shock is required, you will not be able to shock the patient. This completely removes the need to make a medical judgement so all you have to do is follow the prompts.
•        Step-by-step instructions – AEDs provide clear voice prompts to guide you through the process, from turning the device on through to pressing the shock button. Some devices will also monitor your actions in real-time with feedback to help you deliver the most effective care.
•        Error-proof pad placement – if you’re not sure where the pads go, it doesn’t matter as the AED tells you and most devices come with illustrated diagrams. Even if the pad placement isn’t perfect, the AED can still detect the heart’s rhythm and proceed with the treatment.
•        Built-in safety checks – modern AEDs have intelligent sensors and safety systems so they can check for factors such as proper pad connection, heart rhythms and environmental risks such as movement. If an issue is detected, the device will alert you and wait until it’s safe to proceed.
•           No training is required (but it can be helpful!) – AEDs can be used immediately, even if you’ve never seen one before. That’s why they’re placed in accessible public spaces and come with simple instructions and built-in safeguards. A short training course can boost your confidence, so you know exactly what to do in an emergency situation. However, even without training, you will be able to use an AED safely if you ever need to.
•        AEDs also protect you – you might be worried about your own safety when using a defibrillator, but AEDs will only deliver a shock when it determines that it’s safe to do so. The voice prompts will instruct you to stand clear during a shock and if you follow the steps and guidance, there’s no risk to you.

Why are defibrillators so readily available?

Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) affects 80,000 patients per year in the UK. According to the Resuscitation Council most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home, and around half are witnessed by another person. Early CPR and defibrillation significantly improve the chances of survival. Acting quickly, even if you’re not 100% sure on what you’re doing, is important.

Hesitating out of fear of doing something wrong is common, but seconds can make a huge difference in an emergency situation. AEDs are built to support and guide you while protecting the patient, so the only real danger is not using one when it’s needed.

Other defibrillator myths debunked

What if I shock someone who doesn’t need it?

It’s not possible to deliver a shock with an AED if someone doesn’t need it. The device will detect whether a shock is needed and only deliver it if required.

I can be sued if I use an AED to treat someone

No, you can’t be sued for stepping in and using an AED. In 2015, the government introduced a law called the ‘Social Action Responsibility and Heroism Bill (SARAH)’ which means members of the public who help during an emergency are protected from being sued.

I could shock myself or someone else by accident

This is highly unlikely. As we’ve mentioned above, the AED will only deliver a shock if it’s needed and there are safety measures in place to prevent you from shocking yourself.

I need medical training to use an AED

You do not need any medical training to use an AED. They are designed to be used and available for use by the public.

You can’t use a defibrillator on children

Defibrillators can be used on children. Many models have specially designed pads for children, or the pads can be used on both children and adults and the device will have a mode for children to ensure an appropriate shock is delivered.

You’re more likely to save a life than harm someone

When an emergency strikes you don’t need any medical training. You don’t need to know exactly what to do. You just need to be willing to help.

AEDs are a safe and effective tool designed specifically for use during a medical emergency and they’re built to support people like you who might be using one for the first time. You cannot kill someone by using an AED wrongly, but you could save a life by acting quickly.

Want to learn more?

At Defib4Life, we offer a wide range of easy-to-use, public access defibrillators from a range of brands ideal for workplaces, communities and schools. Whether you’re looking to equip your space with a defibrillator or want advice on choosing the right model, please contact our customer service team.

We also offer defibrillator awareness training to help anyone who feels they would benefit from more knowledge on the use of an AED in the workplace.

Browse our range of defibrillators now and ensure you provide the ability to save a life in your area.