How do I open the AED box –
One of the most frequently asked questions about an AED on my courses is:
I’ve seen AED (Automated External Defibrillator) boxes on walls, but they’re all locked.
How do I open it to get the AED in an emergency?
The Answer –
Once you’ve confirmed your casualty is unresponsive and not breathing.
You must immediately call an ambulance, or ideally get someone else to call 999 or 112
Send them to fetch the AED and First Aid Kit, while you start chest compressions, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The sooner you start CPR the better the casualty’s chance of survival.
Remember every minute that passes after someone enters cardiac arrest, their survival chance reduces by 10%
When the 999 / 112 call is made when possible switch to speaker phone, this lets the trained ambulance personnel talk you through what you need to be doing and give you emotional support.
Once the emergency service knows your location,
I recommend you have the What3Words app on your mobile phone,
The call handler you speak to, will tell you or your bystander, where the nearest AED is located and how far away it is.
They will then tell you the key code to unlock the box so they can rush the unit to the casualty.
Always remember the Chain of Survival – Early recognition of what’s wrong, starting CPR quickly, getting the AED pads on the casualty’s chest and early transfer to professional help.
To learn how to administer CPR and use an AED to help in an emergency please book a course
All our courses include Safe use of an AED