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Cardiac Emergencies, CPR and AED in Pharmacy Practice

Recognising collapse, starting CPR, using an AED, and responding to chest pain emergencies in pharmacy settings

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Course Menu

Course Welcome
Collapse, 999 & CPR
Adult CPR in Pharmacy
AED Use Quickly & Safely
Chest Pain & Angina
Aftercare & Team Review
Exam Pass Notes
Reading List
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Using the AED quickly and safely

How to Use a Defibrillator (AED) - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

Video: 4m 13s · Creator: St John Ambulance. YouTube Standard Licence.

This St John Ambulance video explains what an automated external defibrillator is and how to use one when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. It says an AED can be used on adults and children over one year old, and that using one in the minutes before an ambulance arrives can improve the chance of survival.

The demonstration starts with calling 999 or 112, asking someone to bring an AED if available, and continuing CPR until it arrives. Once switched on, the AED gives voice and visual prompts: expose the chest, apply the pads as shown, stop compressions while it analyses the heart rhythm, stand clear if a shock is advised, then resume CPR.

The video stresses that the machine guides the user and analyses whether a shock is needed. If no shock is advised, CPR continues; if the casualty becomes responsive, they should be placed in the recovery position while the AED remains attached and its prompts continue to be followed.

Was this video a good fit for this page?

AEDs are intended for use by ordinary staff in emergencies. The device analyses the cardiac rhythm and instructs the rescuer. In pharmacies the usual barriers are hesitation, not knowing who should fetch the device, or poor signage and placement that slow access.

Using the AED in a pharmacy setting

Turn it on as soon as it arrives
Expose enough of the chest to place the pads correctly
Follow the diagrams and voice prompts
Continue CPR while pads are being applied if another rescuer is present
Stand clear only when the AED tells you to
Restart compressions immediately after shock delivery or no-shock advice

Readiness between emergencies matters too

All staff should know where the AED is kept
Access should be quick and practical, not blocked by confusion, locked cupboards, or poor signage
Pads and battery should be checked according to local process
If the AED is intended as a public-access device, it should be registered on The Circuit

Scenario

The AED reaches the consultation room two minutes after CPR has started. A colleague freezes and says, "I have never actually used one before - what if I do it wrong?"

What should the team remember?

The AED is designed to guide the rescuer. The team should remember:
Turn the AED on as soon as it arrives and follow its spoken and visual prompts.
Expose the chest and apply the pads exactly as shown on the device or pads.
Keep chest compressions going as much as possible and pause only when the AED tells you to stand clear for analysis or shock.
Make sure nobody is touching the person when the AED is analysing or delivering a shock.
Restart CPR immediately after any shock or no-shock prompt and continue until ambulance staff take over or the person shows clear signs of life.

Optional: Not part of the course final assessment.

Another?

You do not decide whether a shock is needed. The AED does that. Your job is to attach it early and follow its prompts.

Key Points

Please take a moment to review these points, reflect on their significance and consider how they apply to your own experiences.

Tick to confirm (optional):

Turn the AED on as soon as it arrives
Expose sufficient chest and apply pads exactly as shown
Follow the AED’s voice and visual prompts
Continue CPR while pads are being applied if another rescuer is available
Stand clear only when the AED instructs for analysis or shock
Restart compressions immediately after any shock or no-shock instruction
Ensure AED placement is obvious, unlocked, and easy to access
Perform regular checks on pads and battery and register public devices on The Circuit

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Adult CPR in Pharmacy Chest Pain & Angina

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Course Snapshot

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Length: 60 minutes CPD (1.00 CE Credits)
Appropriate for: pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacy assistant, dispensing staff, locum pharmacist, delivery staff, pharmacy manager, pharmacy trainee
Course Price: Free
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- 10 questions, pass mark 80%.
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Harvard

Mecourse Lifelong Learning (2026) ‘Using the AED quickly and safely’. Birmingham, UK: Mecourse Lifelong Learning [Online]. Available at: https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely [Accessed 12 May 2026].

Vancouver

Mecourse Lifelong Learning. Using the AED quickly and safely [Internet]. Birmingham, UK: Mecourse Lifelong Learning; 2026 Apr 22 [cited 2026 May 12]. Available from: https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely.

Chicago

Mecourse Lifelong Learning. “Using the AED quickly and safely.” 2026. https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely. Accessed May 12, 2026.

APA

Mecourse Lifelong Learning. (2026, April 22). Using the AED quickly and safely. https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely

IEEE

Mecourse Lifelong Learning, “Using the AED quickly and safely.” Mecourse Lifelong Learning. https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely (Accessed: May 12, 2026).

AMA

Mecourse Lifelong Learning. Using the AED quickly and safely. Mecourse Lifelong Learning. Published April 22, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.mecourse.com/cardiac-emergencies-cpr-and-aed-in-pharmacy-practice-using-the-aed-quickly-and-safely.

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Using the AED quickly and safely

How to Use a Defibrillator (AED) - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

Using the AED in a pharmacy setting

Readiness between emergencies matters too

Key Points

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