CPR vs. AED: What’s the Difference and Why Do You Need Both?

When a cardiac emergency happens, knowing what to do can make a critical difference. Two of the most important tools in an emergency response are CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

But what exactly is the difference between CPR and an AED? And if your workplace has an AED, do your employees still need CPR training?

The answer is yes. CPR and AEDs work together as part of an emergency response.

What Is CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure used when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

CPR involves chest compressions that help circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

CPR doesn't restart the heart by itself. Instead, it helps maintain circulation and buys valuable time until an AED can be used and professional medical help arrives.

What Is an AED?

An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator designed to analyze a person's heart rhythm and, when appropriate, deliver an electrical shock.

AEDs are designed to be relatively simple to operate. Many provide voice and visual instructions that guide the rescuer through the process.

When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, an AED may be used alongside CPR as part of the emergency response.

CPR vs. AED: What's the Difference?

Think of it this way:

CPR helps keep blood moving.

An AED can help address certain abnormal heart rhythms by delivering a shock when appropriate.

They serve different purposes, but they are most effective when used together during a cardiac emergency.

CPR

• Uses chest compressions
• Helps maintain circulation
• Can be started immediately
• Does not require an AED
• Should continue while an AED is being prepared and according to the AED's instructions

AED

• Analyzes the heart's rhythm
• Determines whether a shock is appropriate
• Provides instructions to the rescuer
• Can deliver a shock when indicated
• Is used alongside CPR during sudden cardiac arrest

Why Does Your Workplace Need Both?

Imagine an employee, customer, visitor, or coworker suddenly collapses and is unresponsive.

The first few moments can be critical.

A prepared workplace can have employees who know how to recognize an emergency, begin CPR, retrieve the AED, follow the AED's instructions, and contact emergency medical services.

Having an AED without trained employees may leave people unsure about how to respond.

Likewise, having employees trained in CPR without an accessible AED means an important piece of emergency equipment may not be available when needed.

Training and equipment go hand in hand.

Who Should Have CPR and AED Training?

CPR and AED training can benefit many types of organizations, including:

• Offices and corporate workplaces
• Construction companies
• Manufacturing facilities
• Schools and daycare centers
• Churches and community organizations
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Restaurants and hospitality businesses
• Retail businesses
• Healthcare facilities
• Property management companies
• Community and recreational organizations

Training isn't just for medical professionals. Employees in many different industries can benefit from learning how to respond during an emergency.

What Happens During a CPR and AED Training Course?

A quality CPR and AED training program gives participants the opportunity to learn and practice important emergency response skills.

Training may cover topics such as:

• Recognizing cardiac arrest
• Performing CPR
• Using an AED
• Responding to choking emergencies
• Basic emergency response procedures
• Working as part of an emergency response team

Hands-on practice is especially valuable because emergencies can be stressful. Training helps participants become more familiar with the steps they may need to take.

Don't Wait Until an Emergency to Prepare

No business expects a cardiac emergency to happen at work—but being prepared means having a plan before one occurs.

Take a few minutes to look around your workplace:

Do you know where your AED is located?

Do your employees know how to use it?

Is your team trained in CPR?

Are your emergency procedures easy to access?

If you can't confidently answer these questions, it may be time to improve your workplace emergency preparedness.

Larson's Medical Supply Can Help

At Larson's Medical Supply, we believe workplace safety is about more than having the right equipment. It's also about making sure people have the knowledge and confidence to use it.

We provide CPR and AED Life Support Training to help businesses and organizations prepare their teams to respond during emergencies.

We also provide first aid and safety products, including AED equipment and accessories, first aid kits, and other workplace safety supplies.

Whether you're looking to train your employees, upgrade your emergency preparedness plan, or make sure your workplace has the right equipment, we're here to help.

Be Ready When Every Second Counts

A cardiac emergency can happen anywhere and at any time.

CPR provides immediate support. An AED provides another critical tool. Training helps your team know what to do.

Don't wait for an emergency to find out whether your workplace is prepared.

Contact Larson's Medical Supply today to learn more about CPR & AED Life Support Training and workplace emergency preparedness.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. Be ready to respond.

Larson's Medical Supply – First Aid & Safety
Your trusted partner in workplace safety and emergency preparedness.