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AED - Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions about Automatic External Defilbrillators. For additional questions, please contact us at (dem@umn.edu).

How much maintenance is required?

How much training is required?

Can I hurt someone with the AED?

Can I make things worse?

My training is almost a year old, how hard is it to remember how to use the AED?

How can I get my department involved?

The device's batteries last more than a year in service, can deliver 100 shocks, and have a five-year shelf life. Electrodes last about two years (but are single use). You do not need to plug the AED in or recharge it, so maintenance is minimal.

In addition, the Heartstart FR 2 has a self-test feature. It will test itself every night and every week (but remains ready for use even during the tests). To verify that your AED is ready for use, all you need to do is look through a small window on the case; if you see a flashing, hourglass-shaped indicator, the AED is fully functional.

If a flashing red "X" appears, you only need to replace the battery - this will activate a self-test and usually is the only problem.

If you see a solid red "X" try replacing the battery. If the battery replacement does not do the trick, then the device needs service.

We will ask you to check the device regularly, and report status back to us. Also, Emergency Management will periodically check the AED’s.

NOTE: If your device is flashing a red "X" or has a solid red "X" or your box is alarming, please contact UMPD at their non-emergency number: 612-624-COPS.

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The American Heart Association and Philips Medical Systems strongly recommend CPR before the use of an AED. The DEM feels the same way and will therefore be providing an Adult CPR/AED training course to those interested. For those who already have current CPR, a brief AED training will be provided. You may also take CPR though Boyton Health Services or an outside vendor.

If you have your own CPR instructors, the DEM will provide training instructions for the use of the Heartstart FR2+. We also can provide your instructors with equipment and even a training site!

NOTE: Please contact the American Heart Association and/or Philips Medical Systems for more information.

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The AED is designed so that it will only shock a person whose heart rhythm is within specific parameters (for instance, V-fib). All the operator needs do is verify that no one else is touching the patient. Additionally, the Heartstart FR2 AED uses low-energy biphasic electrical therapy. Unlike older models of manual defibrillators, the amount of energy delivered to the patient is unlikely to hurt a person who is touching the patient.

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Technically, you can… The statistics from Phillips say the FR2+ will correctly identify a shock-able rhythm 90 percent (So 10 percent of those in V-Fib or V-Tach will not get the queue to be shocked) and incorrectly identify a non-shock-able rhythm 95 percent (so 5 percent of those who should not be shocked will get the queue to be shocked). However, this is better than human error and if you are checking a pulse that 5 percent will go down.

However, if someone's heart is not pumping blood, they are dead. The AED cannot make things worse in this case. It is designed to work well in a variety of environments and conditions.

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First, you can always take refresher training either through the DEM or an outside vendor. Also, the device talks! It will verbally tell you what to do. Next, there is a display screen that tells you what to do each step of the way. Finally, there is a card inserted into the case that also spells out the easy steps needed to save a life.

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The AED Limited Public Access Defibrillation project for the University of Minnesota is a being carried out by the Department of Emergency Management, a division of the Department of Public Safety. Medical direction and assistance is provided by Boynton Health Service and Physician Medical Director David Wang, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota.

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