AED vs CPR: Know When and How to Use in Emergencies

You’re at the gym and a person suddenly collapses on the treadmill. They’re not moving; their breathing is shallow. A crowd gathers, someone shouts for help, and you notice an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and you also know basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). But you’re unsure what to do first, start CPR and AED or call for help?

It’s a question that freezes many people in real emergencies. And the truth is, hesitation can cost precious seconds. Here’s the reality: only about 19% of cardiac arrests in U.S. recreational facilities involved bystander AED use, even in states where AEDs are required on-site. Why? Because people weren’t sure when to use CPR and an AED. Are you also uncertain about it? Keep reading to learn exactly when to use CPR and AED.

What is CPR?

CPR is a life-saving emergency procedure used in case the heart or breathing of an individual ceases. CPR is a hands-on technique where you press the patient’s chest forcefully and quickly, and sometimes provide rescue breaths. Your hands act like an external pump. It is performed to push blood throughout the body. The technique is required to supply oxygen to the heart and brain. It doesn’t restart the heart, but it helps keep the person alive until professional help is provided. 

Read More: Female CPR Training and What You Need to Know

Key components of CPR:

• Chest Compressions: A critical step used to replicate the heart’s pumping effect to maintain the flow of blood.
• Rescue Breaths: They increase the oxygen supply to the body when used with compressions.
• Hands-Only CPR: This method, at a steady rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, may be sufficient in some cases, such as when given by an untrained witness.

What is an AED?

An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable medical device used to help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat. You’ll often find AEDs in public places like gyms, airports, schools, and offices, where quick access can save lives.

Each AED provides clear guidance on when and how to use it. The best approach is to receive training on the correct way to operate an AED. However, without any training, a bystander can simply use the gadget to restart the patient’s heartbeat. Here are a few key points to remember when using an AED in an emergency:

• Anyone Can Use It: The moment you turn it on, the machine literally walks you through each step with voice directions and visual messages.
• It Checks Before It Shocks: The AED first conducts a check on the heart rhythm and only advises a shock if it’s safe and in need of it.
• The Shock Saves Time: While CPR does keep the blood circulating, it is the AED that can, in fact, get the heart beating normally.

Read More: What is the difference between a Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack?

CPR and AED: What’s the Real Difference?

If you want to help when someone collapses, it’s important to know the difference between CPR and an AED. Both save lives, but they do different jobs. Using them together gives the best chance of survival.

Aspect	CPR	AED
Purpose	Keeps blood moving and supplies oxygen to the brain and vital organs using chest compressions, with rescue breaths if trained.	Checks the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
When to Use	Start immediately if the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally. Even gasping or strange breathing counts.	Use when the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and an AED is nearby. Follow its instructions exactly.
Training Components	Teaches chest compressions, rescue breaths, and recognizing cardiac arrest.	Focuses on how to turn on the device, place pads, and follow prompts safely.
Training Duration	Usually takes a few hours of hands-on practice.	Often shorter since it mainly teaches the device operation.
Certification	Many courses combine CPR and AED, so you learn both lifesaving skills.	Typically combined with CPR for a full certification.
Combination Benefit	Keeps blood flowing while waiting for a shock or advanced help.	Delivers the shock that can restart the heart. Together, survival chances improve dramatically.

 

Read More: AED Laws and AED Requirements by State

Steps to Follow in a Real Cardiac Emergency

In a cardiac emergency, using both AED and CPR is important. Knowing what to use first helps you to understand the practical use. Here are the required steps:

Step 1. Ensure Scene Safety

Before you approach, quickly look around. Are there any dangers like traffic, wet floors, or exposed wires? You can’t help someone if you put yourself at risk. Checking the scene is one of the most important steps to follow for any injury or environmental emergency.

Step 2. Check Responsiveness

Gently tap the person and shout to see if they respond. Look for breathing and movement. Knowing if they’re conscious guides what to do next, and this is a key part of the steps for injury or environmental emergencies.

Step 3. Call 911

If you’re alone or with others, call emergency services immediately. Put the phone on speaker so you can start CPR without stopping. Getting professional help fast is critical and part of the steps you should follow for any injury or environmental emergency.

Step 4. Start CPR

Place your hands in the center of your chest and push hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep, 100–120 times per minute. Rescue breaths can be added if trained. CPR keeps blood flowing and is a lifesaving step to follow for injury or environmental emergencies.

Step 5. Get and Use the AED

Grab the AED as soon as it’s nearby. Turn it on, follow the voice instructions to understand how an AED works, and attach the pads to bare skin as shown. These environmental emergency steps are simple, even for someone with no prior experience.

Step 6. Let the AED Analyze

Stand back and let the AED check the heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, ensure no one touches the patient before delivery. Following this carefully is one of the steps to follow for any injury or environmental emergency.

Step 7. Resume CPR

After the shock or rhythm check, continue compressions immediately. Keep the cycles of compressions and breaths going until emergency responders arrive or the person regains normal breathing. 

Read More: How to Manage a Respiratory Arrest

High-Risk Situations That Call for CPR and AED

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them. By knowing CPR and AED, you will create a safer community where more people are ready to act in an emergency. These skills are essential wherever someone’s heart or breathing stops, not just in gyms or offices. According to the Northeast Iowa Community College, about 70% of cardiac arrests happen out-of-hospital, in homes, businesses, and public places. The following are the places where you can use CPR and AED skills during a life-threatening environmental emergency:

• Hazardous material spills (chemical, oil, radioactive)
• Wildfires, severe storms, or floods can cause immediate harm
• Building fires or explosions
• Exposure to highly toxic substances
• Radiation or biohazard events
• Drowning incidents
• Severe heatstroke or hypothermia

In all these situations, knowing the steps to follow for any injury or environmental emergency ensures you can act immediately and save a life while waiting for professional responders.

Get Trained and Master CPR and AED Skills

You have the power to save a life when an emergency strikes. But you need to know exactly when to use AED and CPR to make all the difference. Generally, CPR keeps blood flowing to vital organs, and an AED checks the heart rhythm. AED also delivers a shock if needed. You can use them together to increase a person’s chance of survival.

These skills are not just useful for healthcare workers. This can be learned by anyone to apply in any emergency. Are you ready to gain one life-saving skill? Don’t wait, enroll now in CPR and first aid online certification. Gain the required skills and stay active when it is required.

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between AED and CPR?

CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing through chest compressions and rescue breaths when the heart stops. AED delivers an electric shock to restart a normal heartbeat. Together, they give the person the best chance of survival.

2. When should you use CPR and when should you use an AED?

Start CPR immediately if the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse. Once an AED is available, turn it on, follow the prompts, and use it right away, without stopping CPR for long.

3. Can you use an AED without CPR training?

Yes. AEDs are designed for anyone to use. They give clear voice and visual instructions for every step. Still, taking a CPR/AED course helps you stay calm and act faster in real emergencies.

4. What if I start CPR but no AED is available?

Keep doing chest compressions and rescue breaths until emergency medical help arrives. Even without an AED, consistent CPR keeps oxygen moving and increases the person’s chance of survival.

5. Why is using both CPR and AED important?

CPR keeps the blood flowing, but only an AED can correct a dangerous heart rhythm. Using both together gives the best chance to restore a heartbeat and save a life before paramedics arrive.