What is an AED and why it saves lives
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can restore a normal heart rhythm with an electric shock during sudden cardiac arrest. Anyone can use it safely – no medical training required.
Time is critical
Why every minute counts
In sudden cardiac arrest the heart usually does not stop completely – it starts to quiver chaotically. This is called ventricular fibrillation, and the only effective treatment is defibrillation.
Every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by about 10%, yet an ambulance often takes 10 minutes or more to arrive. That is why an AED close at hand makes the difference.
Chance of survival without defibrillation
About −10% with every minuteHow to use it
How an AED works – 5 steps
The device guides you through the whole process with voice prompts.
Switch the device on
The AED immediately starts giving voice prompts.
Attach the pads
On the bare chest, as shown in the picture on the pads.
The AED analyses the rhythm
Do not touch the patient during the analysis.
Shock
A fully automatic AED delivers the shock itself; a semi-automatic one asks you to press a button. If no shock is needed, the device will not deliver one.
Continue CPR
Follow the device's metronome until the ambulance crew arrives.
Choosing
Fully automatic or semi-automatic?
Fully automatic
- Shock delivery
- The device delivers it automatically
- Recommended for
- Public places and users without experience
Semi-automatic
- Shock delivery
- The user presses a button
- Recommended for
- Trained teams and medical staff
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can someone without experience make a mistake and cause harm?
No. The AED analyses the heart rhythm itself and delivers a shock only when one is needed. If the patient does not have a life-threatening rhythm, the device will not deliver a shock – even if the button is pressed.
Can an AED be used on children?
Yes. All the models we offer have a child mode or universal pads with reduced energy.
How often do the pads and battery need replacing?
Pads usually last 2–5 years and the battery 4–6 years, depending on the model. Pads must always be replaced after every use. We remind our customers in good time when replacements are due.
Where should an AED be placed?
In a visible, easily accessible place from which it can be brought to the patient within 5 minutes – at the entrance, at reception, in a sports hall or where corridors meet. The location must be marked with an EN ISO 7010 sign. For outdoor placement you need a heated cabinet.
Is an AED mandatory?
In Latvia, AEDs are mandatory from 2026 in public places with a large number of people (Latvian Cabinet Regulation No. 481). Read more: AEDs mandatory in Latvia from 2026 – who is affected and what is required?
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