HEARTCODE BLS PRACTICE GUIDE 2026
AED USAGE AND DEFIBRILLATION SAFETY
PROCEDURES
◉ How to use a bag-mask device
Answer: -Position yourself directly above the victim's head
1. place the mask on the victim's face, using the bridge of the nose as
a guide for correct position.
2. Use the E-C clamp technique
-Perform a head tilt.
-Place the mask on the face with the narrow portion at the bridge of
the nose.
-Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to make a "C" on the
side of the mask, pressuring the edges of the mask to the face.
-Use the remaining fingers to lift the angles of the jaw, open the
airway, and press the face to the mask.
3. Squeeze the bag to give breaths while watching for chest rise.
Deliver each breath over 1 second. If there are 2 rescuers:
-Rescuer 1: Positioned directly above the victim, opens the airway
and positions the bag-mask device.
-Rescuer 2: Positioned at the victim's side, squeezes the bag.
, ◉ AED OVERVIEW-Automated external defibrillator
Answer: -An AED is a device that analyzes the heart rhythm to
identify the presence of an arrhythmia that can be corrected by a
shock.
-Lightweight, portable device.
-Simple to operate.
-Uses voice prompts, lights, and on-screen messages.
◉ How to use an AED
Answer: 1. Power on the AED if needed. Follow the prompts.
2. Choose adult pads for victims 8 years of age and older. Attach the
adhesive AED pads to the victim's bare chest.
3. When the AED prompts you, clear the victim during analysis. Be
sure that no one is touching the victim. Some AEDs will tell you to
push a button to allow the AED to begin analyzing others will do that
automatically. The AED may take a few seconds to analyze.
4. If the AED advises a shock:
-It will charge and then tell you again to clear the victim.
-Clear the victim before delivering the shock.
-Press the shock button.
-After any shock delivery, immediately resume CPR.
◉ AED Pad Placement: adults and Children 8 years and older
AED USAGE AND DEFIBRILLATION SAFETY
PROCEDURES
◉ How to use a bag-mask device
Answer: -Position yourself directly above the victim's head
1. place the mask on the victim's face, using the bridge of the nose as
a guide for correct position.
2. Use the E-C clamp technique
-Perform a head tilt.
-Place the mask on the face with the narrow portion at the bridge of
the nose.
-Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to make a "C" on the
side of the mask, pressuring the edges of the mask to the face.
-Use the remaining fingers to lift the angles of the jaw, open the
airway, and press the face to the mask.
3. Squeeze the bag to give breaths while watching for chest rise.
Deliver each breath over 1 second. If there are 2 rescuers:
-Rescuer 1: Positioned directly above the victim, opens the airway
and positions the bag-mask device.
-Rescuer 2: Positioned at the victim's side, squeezes the bag.
, ◉ AED OVERVIEW-Automated external defibrillator
Answer: -An AED is a device that analyzes the heart rhythm to
identify the presence of an arrhythmia that can be corrected by a
shock.
-Lightweight, portable device.
-Simple to operate.
-Uses voice prompts, lights, and on-screen messages.
◉ How to use an AED
Answer: 1. Power on the AED if needed. Follow the prompts.
2. Choose adult pads for victims 8 years of age and older. Attach the
adhesive AED pads to the victim's bare chest.
3. When the AED prompts you, clear the victim during analysis. Be
sure that no one is touching the victim. Some AEDs will tell you to
push a button to allow the AED to begin analyzing others will do that
automatically. The AED may take a few seconds to analyze.
4. If the AED advises a shock:
-It will charge and then tell you again to clear the victim.
-Clear the victim before delivering the shock.
-Press the shock button.
-After any shock delivery, immediately resume CPR.
◉ AED Pad Placement: adults and Children 8 years and older
