Chain of Survival AED Relay
A team drill responding to cardiac arrest: one student starts compressions while another sprints to get an AED trainer placed far away, brings it back and uses it by following the voice prompts. Students work on fast response, coordination and using an AED.
How to play
- Spend 4 minutes introducing the AED trainer: turn it on, place the pads as shown in the picture, stand clear while it analyzes and press the button if prompted.
- Form 4 teams of 6; each team has a manikin next to a start cone and an AED trainer 40 yards away by another cone.
- On the signal, the team checks responsiveness and breathing; one student calls 911 out loud, another starts compressions and another runs for the AED.
- When it arrives, the team places the pads without pausing compressions longer than needed and follows the device's prompts until the first simulated shock. You time it and check the sequence.
- Each team does 3 rounds of about 3 minutes, rotating every role; record the time to first shock and add 15 seconds for each step missed.
- Wrap up for 5 minutes: compare times and find out where the nearest AED in the school is.
Rules
- Run only on the trip there and back, never around the manikin.
- Nobody touches the manikin while the device analyzes or shocks.
- Use only the AED trainer, never a real AED.
Variations
Easier
Place the AED 15 yards away and leave the step sheet next to the manikin.
Standard
AED 40 yards away, rotating roles and penalties for missed steps.
Harder
The AED is hidden somewhere in the school, described only by directions from the front office.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility takes the 911 call or pad placement while a teammate does the run.
- For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, a teammate translates the device prompts with agreed gestures.
- Students with lower fitness take short compression shifts or coordinate the team.
Learning goals
- Coordinate the links in the chain of survival as a team.
- Use an AED by following its voice prompts.
- Cut response time to a cardiac arrest.
Equipment for a class of 25
- AED trainer: 4
- basic CPR manikin: 4
- cones: 8
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
If you have only one AED trainer, send teams one at a time while the rest practice compressions.
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