How To Use: ZOLL AED 3 Fully Automatic Defibrillator

In a cardiac emergency, staying calm and acting quickly makes all the difference. The ZOLL AED 3 is designed to guide you every step of the way, whether you're helping an adult or a child.

Here's a practical breakdown of what to do when using this fully automatic defibrillator.

Stay Calm and Check Responsiveness

Make sure the scene is safe. Approach the person and check if they respond. If there’s no response, shout for help and call 999 immediately.

If the Patient Is a Child

Press the Child Button on the AED. This adjusts the defibrillator’s settings to deliver a shock suitable for a child.

Expose the Chest

Cut or tear away clothing to fully expose the patient’s bare chest. A clear, dry surface is needed to attach the pads correctly.

Open the Pad Package

Tear open the pad packaging and follow the diagrams on the pads:

• Adults: Attach both pads to the bare chest as illustrated on the pads.
• Children: Place the green pad on the centre of the chest and the blue pad on the child’s back. Tear away the purple sensor from the green pad and reattach it as instructed.

Do Not Touch the Patient

Once the pads are attached, the AED will automatically analyse the heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient during this stage.

“Don’t touch patient. Analysing.”

If a shock is required, the AED will either deliver it automatically or instruct you to press the flashing shock button.

Start CPR

If no shock is advised, or after a shock has been delivered, the AED will prompt you to begin CPR. Follow the voice and visual instructions:

• Push to match the tone – a built-in metronome guides compression speed.
• The AED may say “Push harder” if compressions are too shallow.
• Continue until the device tells you to stop or emergency services arrive.

Automatic Shock Delivery (Fully Automatic Model)

If you are using the fully automatic version of the ZOLL AED 3, the device will announce:

“Shock will be delivered in 3, 2, 1…”

There is no need to press a button. Just ensure that nobody is touching the patient.

Final Tip

Continue CPR and follow the AED’s instructions until emergency responders arrive or the person begins to show signs of recovery.

This guide does not replace hands-on training, but it can help you act with confidence if you are ever faced with an emergency. The ZOLL AED 3 is designed to support you throughout the rescue process.

Be prepared. Know your kit. You might save a life.