Purpose: To teach individuals the skills and knowledge needed to provide care for victims of sudden cardiac arrest through the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Prerequisites: Current American Red Cross Adult CPR certificate or equivalent that has been issued within one year of course completion.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the abnormal heart rhythms commonly present during cardiac arrest;

• Explain what defibrillation is and how it works;

• Describe the cardiac chain of survival for a victim of cardiac arrest;

• Explain the role of CPR in cardiac arrest;

• Identify the general steps for the use of an AED;

• Identify precautions for the use of an AED;

• Identify special resuscitation situations that can arisewhen using an AED; and

• Demonstrate how to use an AED in a cardiac arrest situation.

Length: Approximately 2 hours

Certification Requirements:

• Attend and participate in all course sessions;

• Demonstrate competency in all required skills listed on the skills checklist;

• Participate in all skills sessions and scenarios; and

• Pass the final written exam with a score of 80 percent or better.

Certificate Issued and Validity Period: AED Essentials - 1 year