FAQ

What's an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a small device that can restart a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. It's built for anyone to use, no medical training required.

Illustration of an AED cabinet mounted on a wall A wall mounted AED cabinet with a glass front, a red cross symbol on top, and the device visible inside, next to a light switch for scale. AED

Do I need training to use one?

No. Turn it on, and it talks you through every step out loud.

Is it safe for me to use?

Yes. AEDs are designed to be used safely by anyone, even without medical training.

What if I do it wrong?

You can't. The device only delivers a shock if it detects one is needed. It won't let you make a mistake.

Why does speed matter so much?

Survival can jump from under 10% to as high as 90% when an AED is used within the first few minutes of collapse.

The Why

Why This Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest kills over 356,000 Americans a year, including 23,000 kids, and in California, only 8.7% of victims survive. An AED used in the first few minutes can raise that to 90%. Yet today, roughly 758,000 California high schoolers get no CPR or AED training at all, and that gap falls hardest on lower-income and historically underserved students. We believe every student deserves those three minutes of knowledge, because it could someday save a classmate, a coach, or a stranger.