How to Use an AED

Open the AED package, and press the GREEN button on the console.

Remove the two AED pads out of their case, check the illustrations on the pads, and remove the seal off the back of the pads.

Once the seals have been removed, carefully place the pads along the chest as illustrated on the front of the pads.

[CAUTION: if the unconscious person has a pacemaker on their chest, please be careful to not apply the pads directly on the pacemaker. Instead, if the pace maker is on the right side, you should switch the placement of the pads to the left. For example, in the photo below, you would place the yellow pad on the left pec, and the red pad on the lower right side. As long as the pads “sandwich” the heart, the side of the placement does not matter.]

After applying the pads, take the attached wires and connect them to the console via the matching outlet.

After you plug in the chords, you will hear an automated voice say, “傷病者から離れてください / shoubyousha kara hanarete kudasai / Please back away from the injured person.” Stop applying compressions if you are doing so and back away. The machine will automatically begin an electrocardiogram.

After the automatic electrocardiogram, the automated voice will instruct you on whether or not the injured person needs defibrillation. If needed, charging will automatically begin. When it is complete, the automated voice will say, “ショックボタンを押してください / shokku botan wo oshite kudasai / Please press the shock button.” Make sure no one is touching the injured person and press the ORANGE button on the console.

After the defibrillation, please resume chest compressions. The machine will instruct you on whether or not it needs to be removed or if it will begin another electrocardiogram and defibrillation process. Please keep continuing the pattern until the injured person is fully conscious again or until the paramedics arrive.

The Soma Regional Fire Department holds a hands-on life-saving course for citizens, including the use of AEDs.

In case of an emergency, doing chest compressions and using an AED will improve the survival rate.

Please contact the Minamisoma Fire Department (0244-22-2186) for details about the course.