Can you touch an AED or Automated External Defibrillator?

Answer 1

When off and not "charged" for use, there will be no "shock" from an AED or Automated External Defibrillator. It would be like touching a part of a car's engine when turned OFF and not recently been used (so it isn't hot), or like touching a frying pan that has never been used on a stove. An AED is simply a piece of equipment. However, it should not be played with or handled unless you are in class where you are learning how it is used.

When pads are applied to the patient, the unit itself still is not ready to charge. The EKG reading the AED makes will prompt the rescuer to push a button--- this begins the charging. At that point, the two paddles should NOT touch each other or any person. The machine then tells / instructs everyone to move back, instruct you to place the paddles on the pads on the patient, and the machine then discharges the "shock" to the patient's heart. The machine then instructs whether the patient needs a second "shock".

AED is a limited immediate response piece of equipment. It only requires a person can read, listen, and follow the machine's directions. But after delivering one, or if needed two, "shocks", emergency medical responders (EMTs) or a Physician must be present and take over the care.