What training is recommended for users of an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

The recommended training for users of an automated external defibrillator (AED) is CPR and AED training. This training ensures that individuals not only learn how to operate the AED but also understand the critical importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in conjunction with its use.

When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, immediate action is essential for survival. Knowing how to perform CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until the AED can be applied. The combination of CPR and the AED maximizes the chances of survival, as the CPR helps to keep blood flowing and the AED provides necessary shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.

While first aid training and emergency management training are beneficial and provide valuable skills in responding to various emergencies, they do not specifically focus on the integration of CPR with the use of an AED, which is critical in an emergency situation involving a cardiac event. Advanced medical training is typically not required for most AED users, as the device is designed to be used by laypersons with basic training. Thus, CPR and AED training is the most relevant and effective approach for users of an AED.