Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
An AED trainer is a practice device that looks and talks like an automated external defibrillator (AED) but does not charge or deliver electrical energy. Instructors and clinic staff use it to rehearse the voice prompts, pad placement and CPR cycles of a specific AED without a live shock. It is a simulation tool, never an emergency device.
What an AED trainer is
Stryker’s data sheet for the LIFEPAK CR2 Trainer says it provides “realistic training in the use of the LIFEPAK CR2 AED without the actual charge and discharge of electrical energy.” It is designed to simulate the appearance of the real unit and to simulate its operation using the same simple user interface. The ZOLL AED 3 Trainer listing from the Canadian Red Cross describes the device as non-clinical simulation only, with zero electrical capacity, built without internal high-voltage capacitors or charging circuitry. For what the real device does, see what a defibrillator is.
Who uses it: instructors who teach AED and CPR courses, and the clinic staff, workplace responders and students they train.
How it works
The Stryker trainer guides the learner through simulated analysis, simulated energy delivery and prompted CPR intervals with CPR coaching. It detects pressure on its training electrodes and advances the scenario, so no remote is needed, and it has a pause button. The ZOLL AED 3 Trainer, per the Red Cross listing, keeps the same chassis footprint, screen and voice interface as the real unit, senses compression pace and depth with a mechanical sensor, and uses a handheld instructor remote to switch scenarios, pediatric mode and language. Both models use reusable training electrodes, which are separate from the electrodes of a real AED, and both run on four D-cell alkaline batteries.
Trainer versus real AED
| Feature | AED trainer | Real AED | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical energy | Simulated; no charge or discharge (Stryker); zero electrical capacity (ZOLL AED 3 Trainer listing) | Delivers a therapeutic shock when one is advised | Stryker data sheet; Canadian Red Cross listing |
| Interface | Same voice and screen interface as the matching AED model | The device itself | Stryker data sheet; Canadian Red Cross listing |
| Electrodes | Reusable training electrodes | Electrodes for use on a patient | Stryker data sheet; Canadian Red Cross listing |
| Intended use | Training and simulation only | Used by laypeople who have received minimal training in an emergency | Stryker data sheet; Canadian Red Cross listing; FDA AED page |
Scenario settings an instructor can set
The Stryker data sheet lists two fully configurable scenarios. The options below are those stated for the LIFEPAK CR2 Trainer; other makes differ.
| Setting | Options stated |
|---|---|
| Device type | Semi-automatic or fully automatic |
| Number of events | 1 to 4, or repeat |
| Shock advised | Yes or no |
| CPR metronome | Hands-only or 30:2 |
| CPR time | Short, 60, 120 or 180 seconds |
| Other toggles | cprINSIGHT, no-CPR-detected, motion-detected, check-breathing and bilingual prompts on or off; buttons for language, power, child mode and shock |
Specifications for one named model
For the LIFEPAK CR2 Trainer, Stryker states: height 10.7 in (27.2 cm) with handle, width 8.6 in (21.8 cm), depth 3.4 in (8.6 cm), weight 3.9 lb (1.8 kg) with batteries. It takes four non-rechargeable D-cell alkaline batteries (6 V), gives at least 100 hours of continuous operation at volume 4, and is for use in temperature-controlled areas protected from precipitation.
Safe use and handling basics
Use the trainer only for practice, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the model. Stryker specifies a temperature-controlled, precipitation-protected environment. The ZOLL listing describes scenarios as matching AHA, ERC and Heart and Stroke guidelines; that is a vendor claim, so confirm course content with your training provider.
Common mistakes
- Treating a trainer as an emergency device. It simulates operation without charge or discharge and cannot deliver a therapeutic shock.
- Assuming every trainer offers the settings above. The scenario table is specific to the LIFEPAK CR2 Trainer.
- Confusing the trainer’s training electrodes with the electrodes of a real AED.
FAQ
Can an AED trainer shock a person?
No. The Stryker trainer works without charge or discharge of electrical energy, and the ZOLL AED 3 Trainer is described as having zero electrical capacity and being unable to deliver a therapeutic shock.
Does a trainer replace the AED in a facility?
No. A trainer is for practice. For real units, see the AED buying guide, the AED symbols guide and the manual defibrillator versus AED comparison.
Where can I find related emergency response supplies?
Browse emergency, trauma and crisis response supplies.
Sources
- Stryker/Physio-Control, LIFEPAK CR2 AED Trainer data sheet (GDR 3337468_A), checked 2026-10-30.
- Canadian Red Cross, ZOLL AED 3 Trainer product listing (a seller listing, not instructions for use), checked 2026-10-30.
- U.S. FDA, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), checked 2026-10-30.
