Semi-Automatic AED Training Course

Lesson 1 • Cardiac Arrest Physiology Basics

Covers how the heart's electrical system fails during arrest and what happens to perfusion. Grounds all subsequent AED rationale in biological reality.

Lesson 2 • The Chain of Survival

Defines each link from recognition to advanced care and how they interact. Positions the AED as a pivotal link in the chain.

Lesson 3 • Recognizing Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Trains rapid identification of unresponsiveness, absent breathing, and pulselessness. Accurate recognition triggers the correct emergency response sequence.

Lesson 1 • Device Audio and Visual Prompts

Explains how the AED guides operators through voice commands and screen cues. Learners practice following prompts without skipping or overriding steps.

Lesson 2 • AED Types and Classification

Compares semi-automatic, fully automatic, and manual defibrillators by operator involvement. Clarifies why semi-automatic devices require a deliberate shock delivery step.

Lesson 3 • AED Readiness and Maintenance

Covers routine inspection, battery checks, and pad expiration monitoring. Ensures devices are operationally ready before an emergency occurs.

Lesson 1 • Applying Pads Correctly

Demonstrates step-by-step pad application including skin prep and firm adhesion. Proper technique prevents impedance errors and poor shock delivery.

Lesson 2 • Alternative Pad Placement Positions

Covers anterior-posterior and biaxillary placements for special circumstances. Learners select the correct alternative when standard placement is obstructed.

Lesson 3 • Anatomy of Pad Placement Sites

Identifies the sternal and apical chest landmarks used for standard pad positioning. Accurate landmark identification ensures optimal current path through the myocardium.

Lesson 1 • Post-Shock Protocol and Reassessment

Defines actions after shock delivery including CPR cycles and repeat analysis. Learners follow the device prompts through multiple shock sequences without hesitation.

Lesson 2 • Powering On and Device Startup

Covers the power-on procedure and initial self-test sequence of the device. Learners confirm readiness indicators before proceeding to pad attachment.

Lesson 3 • Rhythm Analysis Phase

Explains how the AED analyzes cardiac rhythm and what operators must do during analysis. Learners practice enforcing no-touch protocol to prevent analysis errors.

Lesson 1 • Rescue Breathing Fundamentals

Covers airway opening, mask seal, and ventilation volume for effective rescue breaths. Proper ventilation complements compressions in maintaining oxygenation.

Lesson 2 • Coordinating CPR and AED Cycles

Trains seamless transitions between CPR and AED analysis phases to minimize hands-off time. Learners practice timing compressions to stop only when the device requires it.

Lesson 3 • High-Quality Chest Compression Technique

Establishes correct hand position, depth, rate, and recoil for adult chest compressions. Compression quality directly affects perfusion pressure during resuscitation.

Lesson 1 • Patients with Implanted Devices

Identifies pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and their impact on pad placement. Learners adjust pad position to avoid device interference without delaying treatment.

Lesson 2 • AED Use During Pregnancy

Addresses maternal cardiac arrest management including uterine displacement and standard AED use. Defibrillation is not contraindicated and must not be delayed.

Lesson 3 • Pediatric AED Use

Covers pediatric pad selection, dose attenuation keys, and age-based placement adjustments. Correct pediatric technique prevents energy overdose in small patients.

Lesson 1 • Establishing Scene Safety

Trains rapid hazard identification and scene control before patient contact. Safe scene entry protects rescuers and enables sustained resuscitation effort.

Lesson 2 • EMS Handoff and Documentation

Covers structured verbal handoff and event documentation for continuity of care. Accurate information transfer improves post-resuscitation treatment decisions.

Lesson 3 • Resuscitation Team Roles

Defines compressor, airway manager, AED operator, and team leader responsibilities. Clear role assignment prevents duplication and ensures all tasks are covered.

Lesson 1 • Remediation and Recertification

Outlines the remediation process for learners who do not meet standards and recertification intervals. Ensures all certified individuals maintain consistent competency over time.

Lesson 2 • Team Scenario Assessment

Evaluates multi-rescuer coordination, communication quality, and role execution under simulated pressure. Assesses leadership effectiveness and team adaptability.

Lesson 3 • Single-Rescuer Scenario Assessment

Tests the complete single-rescuer sequence from recognition through AED shock and CPR resumption. Evaluates independent decision-making and procedural accuracy.