How long is a defibrillator course?

A defibrillator (AED) course typically takes a few hours (around 3-6 hours), varying by format, from quick online-only options (1-2 hours) to blended learning (online plus a short skills session) or full in-person classes, often combined with CPR training, leading to a 2-year certification.

How long does a defibrillator course take?

The Heartsaver AED Course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and teaches the basic techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the relief of choking for adults, children and infants.

How hard is it to get AED certified?

Certification takes just a few short hours, but with the skills you'll learn – you can help save a life.

Can anyone use a defibrillator without training?

Do you have to be trained to use a defibrillator? No – the defibrillator will guide you through what to do with simple voice instructions and visual prompts. However, we would encourage everyone to take defibrillator training to ensure they are familiar with the device and ready to act confidently in an emergency.

How long does a CPR course usually take?

A CPR class length varies from a few hours for basic training (2-4 hours) to 4-8 hours for certification, with advanced or professional courses like BLS, ACLS, and PALS taking significantly longer (8-16+ hours). Blended learning (online + in-person skills) takes around 4-6 hours total, while fully online courses are self-paced, and instructor-led classes typically fall within these ranges depending on content depth and target audience.
 

How to Use a Defibrillator (AED) - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

Are CPR classes hard to pass?

No, CPR training isn't inherently hard; it's designed to be easy to learn, taking just a few hours, but performing it effectively in an emergency requires focus, physical exertion (especially chest compressions), and understanding the structured steps (assess, compress, breathe, use AED). The key is hands-on practice and paying attention to the protocol, not just memorizing, to build muscle memory for those critical moments, making the test straightforward.
 

What are common CPR mistakes?

Not knowing how deep chest compressions should be is easily one of the most common CPR mistakes. In addition, shallow chest compressions aren't helpful either. In general, chest compressions should be around 2 to 2.4 inches deep for adults.

At what heart rate will a defibrillator go off?

Most devices are programmed with 2 heart-rate zones: the ventricular fibrillation (VF) zone and the ventricular tachycardia (VT) zone. In the VT zone (usually programmed for heart rates between 150 and 200 beats per minute), the device will attempt to pace the ventricle out of the malignant rhythm.

Do you use a defibrillator if there is a pulse?

A defibrillator needs to be used for ventricular tachycardia (without a pulse) or for ventricular fibrillation. If you use it for any other kind of arrhythmia, it could give someone ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest.

Do you need to remove a bra when using a defibrillator?

An defibrillator will only work on bare skin. They should remove or cut through clothing to get to the casualty's bare chest. This includes removing bras, bindings, or restrictive clothing the person is wearing.

Do you still give mouth to mouth during CPR?

You don't need to place your mouth on the person's mouth or nose to give rescue breaths. Trained and ready to go. If you're well trained and confident in your CPR ability, check to see if there is a pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse or breathing within 10 seconds, begin chest compressions.

Why is CPR called as Kiss of Life?

Chest compression mimics heart contractions and mouth-to-mouth mimics breathing, by delivering oxygen to the lungs via the mouth. CPR is the second link in the Chain of Survival. It is the link that can buy life-saving time between the first (early access to emergency care) and third link (early defibrillation).

Is the CPR test open book?

Yes, there is a written test at the end of the BLS class. It is 25 questions. You may use your book for reference, i.e. open book.

What is the 3 minute rule in using a defibrillator AED?

The "AED 3-Minute Rule" is a guideline for placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) so they can be reached and used within 3 minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to maximize survival, as survival rates drop significantly (around 10% per minute) with each delay. This rule ensures AEDs are strategically located in facilities, often meaning one per floor or covering large areas, allowing time for retrieval and setup within that critical window, leveraging the 90-second rule for retrieval.
 

What is the downside of a defibrillator?

Device problems, such as if the defibrillator stimulates muscles other than the heart, or if wires break, do not work, or get pulled out of place. This can lead to blocked blood vessels or heart valves, or to a wire poking through the heart muscle or the skin of the chest.

Is it better to get CPR certified in person or online?

Online CPR is convenient and affordable for basic knowledge but usually doesn't provide a recognized certification; in-person or blended learning (online theory + hands-on skills) is crucial for true certification, especially for jobs, as it offers vital instructor feedback on physical skills like compressions and breathing, which purely online courses can't teach. Choose in-person/blended for official certification (healthcare, childcare, teaching) and online-only for personal knowledge, but verify with your employer, as many don't accept online-only for work requirements. 

Which is more serious, a pacemaker or a defibrillator?

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is generally considered more serious or higher-risk than a pacemaker because it treats life-threatening fast heart rhythms with strong electrical shocks to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, whereas a pacemaker uses low-energy pulses for slower rhythms, but many ICDs also have pacing functions. While both are implanted devices, the ICD addresses potentially fatal arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, making its intervention more intense, though ICD implantation can also have higher complication rates than pacemaker replacement. 

What heart rhythm requires a defibrillator?

Defibrillation is a critical intervention for treating life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. These conditions cause the heart to lose its effective pumping ability, leading to cardiac arrest and rapid deterioration.

Do you have to remove jewelry for AED?

Jewelry – You DO NOT need to remove jewelry. It will not interfere with the AED.

How does it feel when your defibrillator goes off?

A shock from an ICD can feel like a sharp or quick thump to the chest. The muscles in your chest and upper arm may tighten so strongly that you jump up in surprise.

What can you not do after a defibrillator?

Allow about six weeks for your ICD to settle firmly in place. During this time, avoid sudden, jerky or violent actions that will cause your arm to pull away from your body. Avoid causing pressure over the area of your chest where your ICD was put in.

How serious is wearing a LifeVest?

Wearing a LifeVest (a wearable defibrillator) is extremely serious and vital for individuals at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, offering life-saving protection by delivering an electrical shock to correct dangerous heart rhythms, but it requires constant wear (except bathing) and can cause anxiety or pain from potential shocks, though it's highly effective at preventing sudden cardiac death. For general water safety, life jackets are crucial as 85% of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents weren't wearing them, preventing hypothermia and keeping people afloat.
 

What is the CPR golden rule?

What is the golden rule of CPR? The golden rule of CPR is to act fast. Call 999, start chest compressions in the centre of the chest, and keep going steadily until help arrives or a defibrillator is ready to use.

What is the 3 C's in CPR?

The 3 Cs of CPR (and first aid) are Check, Call, and Care (or Compress for Hands-Only CPR), a simple mnemonic to guide emergency response: first, Check the scene and victim for safety and responsiveness; then, Call 911 (or your local emergency number) and get an AED; and finally, Care for the person by giving CPR (chest compressions) until help arrives.
 

Is it still 30 compressions to 2 breaths?

After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the person's head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person's nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second.