Skills & Techniques March 28, 2026 · AED, defibrillator, skills

How to Use an AED: The OFA Level 2 Student Guide

The AED is the most forgiving device you will use in the course. It analyses the rhythm and decides whether to shock. Your job is to get it on the patient fast.

The sequence

  1. Confirm cardiac arrest
  2. Start compressions immediately
  3. Delegate the AED fetch
  4. Turn it on and follow voice prompts
  5. Apply pads to bare, dry skin
  6. Clear everyone for analysis
  7. Shock if advised, then resume CPR

Pad placement

Upper right chest and lower left side below the armpit. For children and infants use pediatric pads or anterior-posterior placement.

Common problems

Hairy chests, wet chests, implanted pacemakers, medication patches. The kit has a razor and towel for a reason. Pair with CPR basics.

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About this site: IntermediateFirstAidTraining.ca is operated by Mainland Safety Training, a WorkSafeBC and Canadian Red Cross authorized provider. Our OFA Level 2 Intermediate First Aid course is delivered across Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, Delta, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Kelowna and Victoria.