Can You Do CPR on Someone with a Pacemaker?

Yes. You can provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to someone with a pacemaker.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR right away and have someone call 911. 

“A pacemaker does not change the need for immediate CPR,” notes Ahmed Kermalli, Director of Lifesaver YEG. “It is there to help control heart rhythm. It cannot replace chest compressions when the heart is not pumping effectively.”

This is a common worry in first aid classes. People do not want to “damage the device” or hurt the person. In an emergency, CPR is still the right move.

What a Pacemaker is and Who This Applies To

A pacemaker is a small device placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest, and over 200,000 Canadians live with one. It sends electrical impulses to help the heart keep a steady beat and rhythm.

This topic matters for:

1. Family members caring for older adults.

2. Workplace first aid attendants.

3. Fitness staff and coaches.

4. Anyone trained in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

   
   

Pacemakers are common. You may never know someone has one until you see a small bump under the skin.

What to Do First if You Suspect Cardiac Arrest

Follow the same first steps you learned in training.

Check and call

1. Check for responsiveness.

2. Check breathing. Look for normal breathing, not gasping.

3. Call 911 or direct someone to call.

4. Send someone for an AED.

   
   

Start CPR

Begin chest compressions right away.

1. Place your hands in the centre of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone.

2. Push hard and fast.

3. Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.

4. Keep going until help arrives, the person starts to breathe normally, or an AED tells you to stop.

A pacemaker does not change hand placement for CPR.

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Can CPR Damage a Pacemaker?

It can happen, but it does not change what you do.

Chest compressions can sometimes cause injuries like rib fractures. That risk exists for any person in cardiac arrest. A pacemaker or its wires could also be affected in rare cases. The priority is circulation and oxygen to the brain. CPR gives the person their best chance while you wait for emergency medical services.

Using an AED When Someone Has a Pacemaker

You can and should use an AED on someone with a pacemaker.

How to spot a pacemaker

Look for a small, firm bump under the skin, often below the collarbone on the left side. Some people have it on the right. You may also see a scar.

AED pad placement tips

Use standard pad placement, with one adjustment: avoid placing a pad directly on top of the device.

1. Place pads in the usual positions shown on the AED diagrams.

2. If a pad would sit over the pacemaker bump, move the pad a few centimetres to the side so it adheres to flat skin.

3. Press pads down firmly so they stick well.

The AED reads the heart rhythm and advises a shock only if needed. The pacemaker does not prevent the AED from working.

If the person has an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Some people have an ICD, which can deliver a shock internally. It can look similar to a pacemaker.

If you see the person’s chest or body jerk as the ICD fires, continue CPR. Use an AED as soon as it arrives. Do not delay care. If you feel a mild tingling while touching the person during an ICD shock, you can briefly pull your hands away, then resume CPR right after.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In real emergencies, people hesitate. These are the big ones we coach learners through.

1. Delaying CPR because of the device. Start compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

2. Changing hand placement. Keep hands centred on the chest. Do not compress over the pacemaker bump if it is clearly off to the upper chest, but your CPR hand position should still be the centre of the chest.

3. Skipping the AED. Use it as soon as it arrives. Follow the prompts.

4. Peeling off medical stickers without checking. Some people have medication patches. Follow your AED and first aid training for safe pad placement on clean, dry skin.

Be prepared for emergencies:

• Basic First Aid vs. Intermediate First Aid: What You Need to Know

• Understanding CPR Level A vs. Level C: Which First Aid Training Do You Need?

• How Long is a CPR Certificate Valid For?

Learn This in a CPR Course That Feels Practical

Knowing the rule is one thing. Practising it is what builds confidence. Lifesaver YEG focuses on calm, hands-on training that prepares you for real situations, including pacemakers and other common medical devices.

What it is and who it is for

We offer accredited CPR and first aid training for:

1. Workplaces and the public: Standard/Intermediate First Aid (SFA), Emergency/Basic First Aid (EFA), CPR and AED.

2. Healthcare providers: Basic Life Support (BLS), plus advanced programs.

3. Parents and youth: Babysitting and youth first aid.

Fast, affordable, accredited CPR and First Aid training in Edmonton with small classes, blended options, and immediate electronic certification.

Duration and format

You can choose blended learning: online module plus in-person skills for many courses. Finish the theory on your schedule, then come in to practise CPR and AED skills.

We keep small classes for more hands-on practice. That means more feedback and more reps on the manikins.

You receive immediate certification after you complete the course requirements.

Acceptance

Training is accredited through the Canadian Red Cross or Heart and Stroke, depending on the course. It is OHS approved. Meets provincial requirements. Employers and schools widely accept these certifications.

FAQs

Can you do CPR if someone has a pacemaker and you feel a bump on their chest?

Yes. Start CPR right away if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. Keep hands centred on the chest.

Do you place AED pads over a pacemaker?

No. Place pads in the standard positions, but move a pad a few centimetres to the side if it would sit directly on the device bump.

Will an AED shock damage a pacemaker?

The priority is treating cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed for public rescue use. Follow the prompts and do not delay defibrillation.

What if the person has an ICD and it shocks while I am doing CPR?

Continue CPR. Use an AED when available. If you feel tingling during an ICD shock, briefly move your hands away, then resume compressions right after.

Should I tell 911 that the person has a pacemaker?

Yes, if you know. Keep it quick. Then stay focused on CPR and AED use.

Which course should I take if I want CPR and AED practice?

Most people choose CPR and AED training paired with Emergency/Basic First Aid (EFA) or Standard/Intermediate First Aid (SFA). Healthcare workers usually need Basic Life Support (BLS).