What an AED actually does
An AED analyses the heart's electrical rhythm and delivers a controlled shock to reset it — but only when the rhythm needs it. It won't shock a healthy heart. It talks you through every step. And for every minute of cardiac arrest without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by roughly 10%. Bridgetown ambulance response times mean that if there's a working AED in the building, the untrained bystander with 90 seconds of confidence is often the difference between a survivor and a fatality.
What you'll learn
- How to open and prepare an AED under stress — the first 30 seconds matter most.
- Pad placement — adult, paediatric, and awkward situations (hair, sweat, jewellery, pacemakers, pregnancy).
- How to safely deliver a shock (nobody touching the patient, oxygen sources cleared).
- Integrating AED use with CPR — no wasted seconds between shock and next compression cycle.
- Post-shock care and clean handover to paramedics.
- Basic troubleshooting when the AED gives an unexpected message.
Course agenda
- 0:00 – 0:30 — Cardiac arrest fundamentals and why AEDs work.
- 0:30 – 1:30 — CPR practice on the manikin (context for the AED).
- 1:30 – 2:15 — AED walkthrough on trainer units — every student runs it end-to-end.
- 2:15 – 2:45 — Awkward scenarios and full-team runs.
- 2:45 – 3:00 — Skills sign-off and certificate issue.
Price
BBD $250 per person on public courses (all-in, includes CPR), secured with a $50 deposit and balance on the day. For teams and workplaces, a flat BBD $1,950 for the whole group, delivered on-site with all equipment provided — including integration with your own AED model if you have one. Quote via the Business page.
Do we need one at work?
Almost certainly yes. Read our full breakdown of AED requirements for Barbados workplaces for the specifics under the OSH Act.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does AED training cost in Barbados?
- AED training is included in our combined CPR & AED course, priced at BBD $250 per person for public sessions or a flat BBD $1,950 for private groups delivered on-site. Standalone 90-minute AED workshops for teams are available on request.
- How long is the AED course?
- 90 minutes as a standalone workshop, or roughly 3 hours when bundled with CPR — which is what most students choose because the two skills are used together in a real emergency.
- Is an AED safe to use if I'm not medically trained?
- Yes. AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — the device analyses the heart's rhythm and will only deliver a shock if the rhythm needs one. It talks you through every step. Training makes you faster and more confident, and covers the awkward situations (wet skin, chest hair, pacemakers, pregnancy).
- Are Barbados workplaces legally required to have an AED?
- The Safety and Health at Work Act obliges every employer to take reasonably practicable steps to protect staff. For any workplace with more than a handful of employees or public-facing operations, that includes an AED and trained users. Read our full breakdown on the blog.
- What certification do I get?
- An HSI or PADI EFR CPR & AED certificate valid for 2 years, recognised internationally.
- Can you train the users of an AED we've already bought?
- Yes — this is one of our most common corporate bookings. Flat BBD $1,950 for the group, delivered on-site with your specific AED model integrated into the training.
Ready to train?
Book online, WhatsApp us, or call +1 246 848 3374. We usually reply within the hour.