Defibrillator Myths Debunked!

By Karen Fantarrow

Posted on: 15th June 2026

We debunk common defibrillator myths for you!

Help! First Aid Training wants to remove the fears and worries surrounding the use of a defibrillator (AED). Here we discuss some of the common misconceptions surrounding these life-saving pieces of equipment.

During training, our instructors often find that learners have understandable concerns or misconceptions about using a defibrillator. People want to help in an emergency, but they're worried about doing something wrong.

The good news is that modern automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be simple, safe and effective. Let's separate fact from fiction by looking at some of the most common defibrillator myths.

1. FACT – Anyone can use a defibrillator

Modern defibrillators have been specifically designed so that anyone can use them during an emergency. Once switched on, the device provides clear voice prompts and visual instructions that guide the user through every step.

However, while formal medical qualifications are not required, defibrillator training can make a huge difference to your confidence. Practising with training equipment under the guidance of an experienced instructor helps you become familiar with the process before facing a real-life emergency.

At Help! First Aid Training, practical defibrillator training is included in many of our first aid courses, allowing learners to gain valuable hands-on experience.

2. FACT – You will still need to perform CPR, even if a defibrillator is available

A defibrillator is an incredibly important life-saving device, but it does not replace CPR.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, CPR helps circulate oxygen-rich blood around the body and to the brain. This helps keep vital organs supplied with oxygen until more advanced treatment is available.

A defibrillator works alongside CPR. It analyses the casualty's heart rhythm and, if appropriate, delivers a shock to help restore a normal rhythm.

According to the Resuscitation Council UK, early defibrillation combined with high-quality CPR can significantly improve a person's chances of survival following a cardiac arrest.

The AED will clearly instruct rescuers when to stand clear for analysis or shock delivery and when to resume CPR.

3. FACT – A Defibrillator cannot shock someone who doesn't need it

Fortunately, modern defibrillators are much smarter than many people realise.

Before delivering a shock, the defibrillator analyses the casualty's heart rhythm. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the device will either advise or automatically deliver a shock, depending on the model.

If a shock is not required, the AED will not allow one to be delivered.

This built-in safety feature means you cannot accidentally shock someone whose heart rhythm does not require it.

4. FACT - You can use a defibrillator if there’s water or metal nearby

People worry that you can’t use a defibrillator near water but in most cases, it is safe to do so.

If your casualty is near a body of water, it’s best to move them away from it, if you can.
If the casualty is wet, dry their chest before using the defibrillator, if possible.

Similarly, if your casualty is wearing jewellery, or has a pacemaker, follow the steps below;

If they’re wearing jewellery, such as a necklace, move it out of the way before using the defibrillator.
If you know that they have a pacemaker, position the pad an inch away from where the pacemaker is sited.

5. FACT - A defibrillator could be needed by anyone of any age

Although the risk of cardiac arrest increases with age, it can happen to anyone.

Every year, we hear reports of young adults, athletes, teenagers and even children suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

Underlying heart conditions, trauma, electrical injuries and other medical issues can all contribute.

This is why access to defibrillators in workplaces, schools, sports clubs and public spaces is so important

6. FACT - A defibrillator is easy to maintain

Many organisations worry that maintaining a defibrillator will be time-consuming or complicated.

In reality, most modern AEDs perform automatic self-checks and monitor their own condition. They will usually display a status indicator, such as a green light or tick, to show they are ready for use.

Routine maintenance generally involves:

Carrying out regular visual inspections.
Checking the status indicator.
Replacing batteries before they expire.
Replacing electrode pads before their expiry date

Head over to Youtube to take a look at our lead instructor Graham’s short video, which shows you how you can check that your defibrillator is in tiptop shape in less than a couple of minutes.

7. FACT – If you’ve bought a defibrillator, you need to do the following

Buying a defibrillator is an excellent first step, but it isn't enough on its own.

Our instructors regularly visit workplaces where a brand-new AED is still sitting unopened in its original packaging. In an emergency, vital time is wasted if staff don't know where the device is stored or how to access it.

To get the most from your investment:

Remove the defibrillator from its packaging and install it in a visible location.
Ensure staff know where it is kept.
Record battery and pad expiry dates.
Assign responsibility for routine visual checks.
Provide staff with practical defibrillator training.

The more familiar people are with the device, the more likely they are to act quickly and confidently during a cardiac arrest.

Learn to Use a Defibrillator with Confidence

Our Defibrillator Competent User Course gives learners the opportunity to practise using an AED, helping them build confidence and competence.

The course goes beyond the minimum guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK and provides plenty of practical hands-on experience.

Furthermore, we can bring the training to your workplace, minimising disruption to your day.

How Help! First Aid Training Can Help

At Help First Aid Training, we provide high-quality, practical courses designed to give you practical first aid skills and confidence when you need it.

We offer:

Open courses at our training centre in Shildon, County Durham
On-site training for businesses, schools, nurseries, and organisations across the North-East – please contact us for a quote
Our experienced trainers make sessions engaging, informative and enjoyable.

We cover Durham to Darlington, Newcastle to Northallerton, Barnard Castle to Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough to Middleton in Teesdale and everywhere across the North-East and in between.

Get in touch