Anyone can use an AED. Untrained people have used them successfully to save a life and lack of training (or recent refresher training) should not be a barrier. It is desirable for people to be trained in the use of an AED and that they keep their skills up to date, but if the circumstances dictate that no trained operator is present, someone willing to use an AED must not be deterred from doing so. (UK Resuciation Council, 2010 & 2013)