If you’re faced with a medical emergency, you might hesitate, especially if the person has a pacemaker. Can you still do CPR? Will you damage the device? Let’s clear up the confusion.

Yes, You Can (and Should) Perform CPR

A pacemaker helps regulate a person’s heartbeat, but it won’t restart the heart if it stops beating. If someone with a pacemaker is unresponsive and not breathing normally, performing CPR is absolutely necessary to keep oxygen flowing to their brain and vital organs.

How to Perform CPR on Someone with a Pacemaker

Chest Compressions: Give compressions as you normally would – the pacemaker won’t get in the way. It’s usually placed under the skin near the collarbone, so your hands will be in the correct position on the center of the chest.

Using an AED (Defibrillator)? If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it! Just make sure the pads aren’t placed directly over the pacemaker. Instead, position one slightly lower or to the side of the device.