How to use an AED | Hato Hone St John

A defibrillator often referred to as an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is a small device that gives a safe electric shock to someone having a sudden cardiac arrest, increasing their chance of survival by 44 per cent.

Locate an AED by putting your location into this map.

Quick help

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance before using the AED.

Turn the AED on.

Keep calm and follow the voice instructions from the AED.

Hold the edges of any wound together to control bleeding.

If there's no response, perform CPR until the ambulance arrives.

Performing CPR

CPR for adults

Learn what to do if someone requires CPR.

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CPR for children less than 8 years old

Learn what to do if a child collapses and you need to perform CPR.

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CPR for babies less than 1 year old

Learn how to perform CPR if a baby's heart stops beating.

LEARN MORE

Who can use an AED?

Anyone can use a modern AED. You don't need any special training, and the AED itself will give you clear instructions, but it's good to be prepared anyway. This video will show you each step in the process.

How does an AED work?

When a heart stops pumping blood around the body (a sudden cardiac arrest), an AED will read the heart's rhythm and give it an electric shock to help get the rhythm back to normal.

How to tell if someone is having a cardiac arrest

Unconscious The patient will be unconscious.

Unresponsive The patient won't respond when you try to talk to them or squeeze their shoulder.

Unusual breathing The patient might be making gasping noises, or not breathing at all.

Buy an AED for your work or community

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Aotearoa. Having an AED within quick reach can be the difference between life and death. Make sure your workplace or community is prepared by purchasing an AED or accessories, including replacement batteries, pads, signage, and storage options.

Buy an AED today

Know where your closest AED is

Search your location to find your nearest AED.

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Register your AED

Register your AED with us, and we'll let you know when it's time to change the battery or pads. This way, it will always be ready for action!

AED Locations

There's one more way to register your AED. You can list it at 'AED Locations', which connects to an app showing over 12,000 AEDs. This site isn't run by us, so it's important you register with us first.