19/08/2026
⚡❤️ AED MYTHS vs FACTS
What really happens when you use an AED?
There are still plenty of misconceptions about Automated External Defibrillators — and in a cardiac arrest, uncertainty can cost precious time.
❌ MYTH #1: “An AED can accidentally shock someone.”
✅ FACT:
An AED analyses the heart’s electrical rhythm before a shock is advised. If the rhythm is not shockable, the AED will not advise a shock and will instruct the rescuer to continue CPR.
---
❌ MYTH #2: “An AED shocks a heart that has completely stopped.”
✅ FACT:
A defibrillator is designed to treat specific shockable rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT).
A completely flat-line rhythm is not shocked by an AED.
That’s why CPR and defibrillation work together — they do different jobs during a cardiac arrest.
---
❌ MYTH #3: “Once the AED arrives, you stop CPR.”
✅ FACT:
CPR should continue with as few interruptions as possible.
Pause when the AED tells you to stand clear for rhythm analysis or shock delivery — then resume CPR immediately when instructed.
Think:
❤️ CPR = circulation
⚡ AED = rhythm analysis & defibrillation
You need both working together.
---
❌ MYTH #4: “Only doctors or paramedics can operate an AED.”
✅ FACT:
Modern AEDs are specifically designed to guide the responder through the rescue using clear voice and/or visual instructions.
Turn it on.
Expose the chest.
Apply the pads as shown.
Follow the prompts.
The AED does the rhythm analysis — the responder follows the instructions.
---
❌ MYTH #5: “AEDs are only for adults.”
✅ FACT:
AEDs can also play an important role in paediatric cardiac arrest.
Depending on the AED, this may involve paediatric pads, a child mode or an energy attenuator.
Always follow the instructions for the specific AED being used.
---
❌ MYTH #6: “If an AED has never been used, it must still be ready.”
✅ FACT:
An AED sitting untouched on a wall still needs to be checked.
✔️ AED status indicator
✔️ Battery condition / expiry
✔️ Electrode pad expiry
✔️ Pads correctly connected
✔️ Accessories present
✔️ Unit accessible and clearly identified
An AED is only useful in an emergency if it is ready when the emergency happens.
---
❤️ THE IMPORTANT PART
When someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:
Recognise the emergency → Call for help → Start CPR → Get the AED → Follow its instructions.
You don't need to diagnose the heart rhythm.
That's the AED's job.
Your job is to ACT.
🇿🇦 AED SOUTH AFRICA
From Bystander to Lifesaver.
