AED Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of the Heart

Covers heart structure, electrical conduction, and how disruptions cause arrest. Provides the physiological basis for all AED interventions taught later.

Lesson 2 • Sudden Cardiac Arrest Overview

Defines sudden cardiac arrest, distinguishes it from a heart attack, and identifies common triggers. Grounds learners in accurate terminology used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • The Chain of Survival

Introduces the sequential steps linking bystander action to advanced care. Learners see where AED use fits within the broader emergency response system.

Lesson 1 • AED Components and Controls

Identifies every physical part of a standard AED and its function. Familiarity with components reduces hesitation during actual device operation.

Lesson 2 • AED Placement and Access

Covers optimal placement strategies, signage requirements, and public access defibrillation programmes. Learners understand how to locate an AED quickly in any environment.

Lesson 3 • How Defibrillation Works

Explains the electrical shock mechanism that terminates fibrillation and restores organised rhythm. Connects device function to the cardiac physiology introduced in Chapter 1.

Lesson 1 • Special Patient Considerations

Addresses assessment modifications for infants, children, pregnant individuals, and patients with implanted devices. Ensures correct protocol selection before AED application.

Lesson 2 • Breathing and Pulse Assessment

Teaches simultaneous breathing and pulse checks within a ten-second window. Rapid, accurate assessment determines whether CPR and AED use are indicated.

Lesson 3 • Checking Responsiveness

Covers verbal and tactile stimulation techniques to confirm unresponsiveness. Accurate responsiveness assessment prevents unnecessary AED deployment.

Lesson 1 • Pediatric and Infant CPR

Adapts compression depth, rate, and ventilation volume for children and infants. Builds on adult CPR skills with age-specific modifications.

Lesson 2 • Rescue Breathing Fundamentals

Teaches airway opening, mask seal, and ventilation volume for effective rescue breaths. Proper ventilation complements compressions to maintain oxygenation.

Lesson 3 • CPR and AED Coordination

Drills the handoff between CPR and AED analysis cycles to minimise no-flow time. Seamless coordination is the critical link between compressions and defibrillation.

Lesson 1 • Patient Preparation for Pad Placement

Teaches chest exposure, skin drying, hair removal, and medication patch removal. Proper preparation ensures reliable pad adhesion and accurate rhythm analysis.

Lesson 2 • Electrode Pad Placement

Demonstrates correct anterior-lateral and anterior-posterior pad positions for adults and children. Accurate placement is essential for effective shock delivery.

Lesson 3 • Continuing Care After Shock

Covers post-shock CPR cycles, repeat analysis intervals, and signs of return of spontaneous circulation. Learners maintain effective care until advanced help arrives.

Lesson 4 • Rhythm Analysis and Shock Delivery

Guides learners through the analysis pause, shock advisory, and safe shock delivery. Correct execution at this stage directly determines defibrillation success.

Lesson 1 • Metal Surfaces and Electrical Hazards

Teaches safe AED use on metal floors, scaffolding, and near live electrical sources. Prevents rescuer injury while maintaining effective defibrillation.

Lesson 2 • Implanted Cardiac Devices

Explains how to identify and work around pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Prevents pad placement errors that reduce shock effectiveness.

Lesson 3 • Water and Wet Environments

Addresses moving victims from water, drying the chest, and avoiding electrical hazards. Water is the most common environmental barrier to safe AED use.

Lesson 4 • Medication Patches and Skin Conditions

Covers removal of transdermal patches and management of skin conditions affecting pad adhesion. Ensures reliable electrical contact in non-standard patient presentations.

Lesson 1 • Roles in a Resuscitation Team

Defines compressor, ventilator, AED operator, and team leader roles. Clear role assignment prevents task overlap and gaps during resuscitation.

Lesson 2 • Transitioning to Advanced Care

Prepares learners to brief arriving paramedics and transfer patient care efficiently. Effective handoff preserves continuity and prevents information loss.

Lesson 3 • Role Rotation and Fatigue Management

Covers compressor rotation timing, smooth handoffs, and maintaining CPR quality over time. Fatigue degrades compression quality within two minutes without rotation.

Lesson 1 • AED Maintenance and Readiness

Teaches daily inspection, pad and battery replacement schedules, and self-test verification. Routine maintenance ensures the AED is functional when needed.

Lesson 2 • Post-Resuscitation Patient Care

Covers recovery position, airway monitoring, and vital sign observation after return of circulation. Proper post-resuscitation care prevents secondary deterioration.

Lesson 3 • Incident Documentation and Reporting

Covers completing event reports, data download from AED memory, and regulatory submission. Accurate documentation supports quality improvement and legal compliance.

Lesson 4 • AED Programme Oversight and Compliance

Introduces programme coordinator responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and training record management. Organisational oversight ensures sustained AED programme effectiveness.