If you own or manage an AED, one of the most common questions you may hear is: “Can you safely use an AED on someone who has a pacemaker?” The answer is yes, and understanding how to handle these situations can give you the confidence to act quickly when it matters most.
Why This Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable. Even people with pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can still experience it. These implanted devices are designed to help regulate the heart’s rhythm, but they aren’t a guarantee against cardiac arrest. In these moments, your AED becomes the next line of defense.
Can You Use an AED on Someone with a Pacemaker or ICD?
Yes, you can and you should. If someone with an implanted device collapses and isn’t breathing normally, the AED should be used right away. AEDs are built to analyze the heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock if one is needed. A pacemaker won’t prevent the AED from doing its job. The real danger comes from hesitation or waiting too long to act.
How to Spot a Pacemaker or ICD
Most pacemakers and ICDs are placed under the skin just below the collarbone, usually on the left side of the chest. You might notice a small lump, a scar, or even the outline of the device. But whether you recognize it or not, your responsibility doesn’t change begin the rescue.
AED Pad Placement
If you identify a pacemaker or ICD, avoid placing the AED pad directly over the device. Instead, position the pad at least an inch away so the shock can be delivered effectively. This small adjustment is all you need to ensure the AED works as intended.
Are There Risks?
There’s no additional risk in using an AED on someone with a pacemaker. AEDs are designed with safety features that prevent unnecessary shocks, so they remain safe to use even when an implanted device is present. The biggest risk is doing nothing. Every minute without treatment decreases the chance of survival, so quick action matters far more than the presence of a pacemaker.
The Bottom Line
You can safely use an AED on someone with a pacemaker. Place the pads properly, follow the AED’s voice prompts, and act without delay. In a cardiac emergency, those steps can make the difference between life and death.
For more AED training tips and resources or to find the right AED for your home or workplace visit www.AEDMarket.com. Being prepared and confident is the best way to protect the people around you.