A heart attack can affect anyone of any age. When someone suffers a heart attack, immediate response can mean the difference between life and death. More and more schools, sporting venues, shopping centers and other public places are being equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). Research has shown that, following a heart attack, the use of one of these machines can dramatically increase the victim’s chances of survival.

AED machines are designed to be as simple to use as possible. Many have instructions printed on them, and some even give audio instructions so the user knows exactly what to do and when. Someone with little or no first aid training can use one of these machines to save a person’s life. However, it’s still recommended that anyone who may have to use an AED so undertaken training so they know what to do should an emergency happen.

AED training involves learning how to use the machine quickly and correctly, as well as some CPR training. Attendants will also learn how to recognize situations various emergency situations, such as cardiac arrests, stokes and airway obstructions. Because AED’s should only ever be used on cardiac arrest victims, course attendants will recognize that other action should be taken in difference emergency situations.

Training courses only last a couple of hours, but will give attendants valuable information that they can use in emergency situations. It’s impossible to predict when someone will have a heart attack, so knowing how to use an AED could mean the difference between a life lost and a life saved.