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International Life Saving Federation
AED Certificate

INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATIONWorld Water Safety
Gemeenteplein 26 – 3010 Leuven – Belgium
Tel: (32.16) 89.60.60 – E-mail: ils.hq@telenet.be - Web: www.ilsf.org

AED CERTIFICATEAUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) CERTIFICATEOVERVIEWSurvival of cardiac arrest depends on a series of critical interventions. The term chain of survival has
been used to describe this sequence. This chain has four interdependent links: early access, earlybasic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, and early advanced cardiac lifesupport. While all links are important, in cardiac arrest due to heart disease, early defibrillation is themost critical link in the chain of survival.
Most victims who can be saved from cardiac arrest are in ventricular fibrillation (VF). Conversion ofventricular fibrillation to a normal heart rhythm requires defibrillation be administered within a few
minutes of a cardiac arrest. The probability of successful defibrillation diminishes rapidly over time.
There has been interest in the possibility of lifesavers and lifeguards receiving training in the use ofAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to improve response times in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
The speed of rescue and early initiation of the chain of survival will improve victim outcomes. In casesof land based cardiac arrest, and those drowning cases with rapid rescue and early effective
resuscitation, VF may be present, and defibrillation may be helpful.
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED COMPETENCIES
An person holding an AED Certificate is a person able to master Automatic External Defibrillation
techniques and equipment.
The following are the minimum competencies recommended by the International Life Saving Federation for a AED Certificate. ILS recognises that many of its Member Organisations have standards,
which exceed these minimums, based on the circumstances presented in their own countries. ILS
encourages the highest possible standards in lifesaving, and merely provides the following as
recommended minimum competencies
1. All candidates shall receive training in Basic Life Support (basic airway management, expired airventilation, and chest compression).
2. Candidates shall have their training recorded and verified by the Instructor.
3. Candidates must hold any necessary Licence(s) or other requirements/ordinances as applied by
local/county/state/province or National authority(s).

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AED Certificate

APPENDIX 26
Page 2LEARNING OUTCOME 1: Establish the need for and carry out Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) on an adult
Assessment Criteria:
1.1 Knowledge evidencePotential sources of danger
Causes of unconsciousness
Common causes of cardiopulmonary arrest
When to call for help
Signs of a circulation
Importance of correct hand position on sternum for chest compression
Ratio of chest compression to rescue breaths

1.2 Performance evidence
The candidate shall perform CPR, as a lone rescuer, in a simulated incident on an appropriate
resuscitation manikin. The manikin shall be assumed to be an unconscious adult who is notbreathing and has no signs of a circulation. The performance of CPR must last for at least
three minutes.
1.3 Performance criteria

Candidate looks for risks to him/herself, the victim and any bystanders
Victim is assessed to be unresponsive
Victim’s head is positioned to ensure a clear airway
Visible obstructions in the airway are sought and removed
Absence of normal breathing is established
Additional help is summoned
Two rescue breaths are given
Absence of a circulation is established
Chest compressions are commenced with hands in the correct position on the sternum
CPR is continued with the correct ratio of compressions to rescue breaths

LEARNING OUTCOME 2. Demonstrate safe and appropriate practice when using an AED on an
adult in line with current protocols
Assessment Criteria:
2.1 Knowledge evidence

Basic understanding of ventricular fibrillation
Principle of defibrillation
What makes a victim suitable/unsuitable for defibrillation
Maintenance requirements of AEDs
Appropriate record keeping relating to the use of AEDs

2.2 Performance evidence
The candidate is required to demonstrate, as a lone rescuer, the assessment of anunconscious, non-breathing victim who has no signs of a circulation. This is to be followed bya demonstration of how to use an AED and perform CPR. An appropriate resuscitation
manikin and training AED should be used. The following situations should be simulated: Victim in ventricular fibrillation – “Shock advised”
 “No shock advised”

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AED Certificate

APPENDIX 26
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Each simulation should last about ten minutes
2.3 Performance criteria
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Candidate looks for risks to him/herself, the victim and any bystanders
Victim is assessed to be unresponsive
Victim’s head is positioned to ensure a clear airway
Visible obstructions in the airway are sought and removed
Absence of normal breathing is established
Additional help is summoned, and the AED brought to the scene
Two rescue breaths are given
Absence of a circulation is established
The AED is prepared, and the defibrillation pads are applied
Prompts given by the AED are followed
CPR is performed correctly when prompted by the AED

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
These learning outcomes may be assessed using continual assessment during the course (best forlay persons) or by a formal assessment at the end.

SKILL RETENTION
It is recognised that the skills and knowledge needed to perform safe and effective CPR and to use an
AED deteriorate rapidly. There is little scientific medical or educational data on which to base adecision as to minimum retraining and reassessment intervals. Informed opinion recommends at least
some familiarisation, with feedback, at regular intervals. The intervals recommended have varied from
3 to 12 months.
RANGE OF VARIABLES
Variable

Scope

Location

Training should be conducted on a dry surface

Resources

ILS Member Federations will utilise their own materials or those available from otherMember Federations or reference materials approved by the ILS Rescue andEducation Commission.

Equipment

AED equipment is available from a range of manufacturers and suppliers.

Regulation approved by the ILS Board of Directors in 2004 and ratified by the 2004 ILS General Assembly.