In a sudden cardiac emergency, two terms often come up together: CPR and AED. But what’s the difference between the two? Do they do the same thing? And if you find yourself in a life-or-death situation, which should you use?
This guide breaks down the comparison between AED and CPR so you understand what each one does, how they work together, and why both are essential tools for saving a life. Whether you’re preparing your workplace for emergencies or simply want to be a more informed bystander, this article will give you the clarity you need.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It’s a manual technique that involves giving chest compressions, sometimes combined with rescue breaths, to help keep blood and oxygen circulating through the body when someone’s heart has stopped beating effectively.
CPR does not restart the heart. Its goal is to buy time, keeping oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until an AED or emergency responders arrive. Without it, brain damage can begin within four to six minutes, and chances of survival drop quickly with each passing minute.
Key facts about CPR:
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It can be performed without equipment
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It’s easy to learn and can be done by anyone
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It maintains blood flow but does not correct heart rhythm
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It works best when combined with an AED
Want to learn how to perform CPR correctly? Consider one of our AED & CPR training courses to get hands-on experience and build confidence.
What is an AED?
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable medical device that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed. The shock is intended to reset the heart’s electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm.
Unlike CPR, an AED directly addresses the cause of sudden cardiac arrest, which is often a chaotic or irregular heartbeat known as ventricular fibrillation. The AED only delivers a shock if it's needed, so there’s no risk of misusing it.
Popular models like the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED and Philips HeartStart FRx AED are designed for use by everyday people, not just healthcare workers. They provide:
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Clear voice prompts and visual diagrams
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Automatic rhythm analysis
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Simple instructions to guide you step by step
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Safe operation, the AED will never deliver a shock unless it’s necessary
You can find the right device for your environment in our full AED collection, from compact units for offices to rugged models for outdoor or industrial use.
What’s the difference between CPR and an AED?
The main difference between AED and CPR lies in their function and purpose.
CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen flow. It’s immediate, manual, and doesn’t require any equipment. But it’s not enough to reverse cardiac arrest on its own.
An AED, on the other hand, is designed to treat the root cause of cardiac arrest, a disrupted heart rhythm. It’s an electronic device that requires power and proper maintenance, such as fresh pads and batteries.
Here’s what sets them apart: CPR keeps the blood moving, but won’t fix the heart. An AED resets the heart’s rhythm, but doesn’t circulate blood. CPR is manual, while an AED is automated. CPR is helpful immediately, and the AED is critical for long-term survival. Used together, they give the victim the best possible chance at survival.
That last point is key. AED vs CPR is not a competition; it’s a combination. You don’t choose one or the other. In a real emergency, you start with CPR and use an AED as soon as one becomes available.
When should you use CPR and AED?
If someone suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, you should immediately:
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Call 911
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Begin CPR
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Send someone to retrieve the nearest AED
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Use the AED as soon as it arrives
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Continue CPR until emergency responders take over or the person shows signs of life
The faster you act, the better the outcome. Each minute without defibrillation decreases survival rates by up to 10%. That’s why having an AED within reach is so important.
Make sure your device is always visible and accessible with a proper AED cabinet. This ensures that anyone in the area can locate and use it quickly.
More than just cardiac readiness
While CPR and AEDs are critical for cardiac emergencies, being fully prepared means thinking beyond heart issues. That’s why many of our customers also equip their spaces with bleeding control tools.
Our Bleeding Control Kit – Standard includes essential supplies like gauze, gloves, trauma shears, and a tourniquet. For more comprehensive coverage, consider the Bleeding Control Kit – Premium, which offers advanced tools for more severe trauma scenarios.
Need an all-in-one solution? Our AED packages combine defibrillators with cases, signage, bleeding control kits, and other critical accessories so you’re fully equipped for any emergency.
AED vs CPR? Why you need both
So, what’s better: CPR or an AED? The truth is, you should never have to choose between them. They work hand in hand.
CPR keeps the person alive by maintaining circulation. The AED restores the heart’s rhythm so it can beat on its own again. Together, they dramatically increase the person’s chances of survival.
You don’t have to be a paramedic to use either tool. With a bit of preparation and the right equipment on-site, you can save a life.
Shop AEDs now and get your team, school, business, or community space ready to respond when seconds count.
