I think AED training is necessary because without it, many folks don't feel they have the wherewithal to apply an AED in a real-life situation. Many people have the function of AEDs mixed with defribrilators, and applying a defribrilator without training to the body of a stranger or even a loved one is a daunting task - how much to charge, how many times to shock, hey, he still isn't breathing, do I shock or do I perform CPR? Without a session on AED operation I was hesitant to ever apply one, even if it was available. Of course I learned a few things right off:

- that AEDs are designed with instructions (verbal, visual cues) built in
- that they won't function if they aren't applied properly
- that they won't function if the patient doesn't diagnose and require the electric shock.

I would call an AED a defribilator for dummies (with apologies to dummies, AED manufacturers, and better trained medicos everywhere), and if you have access to one, and know how to apply it, you are possibly applying restorative cardo shock in a very time sensitive environment. You still very much want EMTs or paramedics to arrive and take over care, they have transport and often so many more drugs available to help cardiac victims.

If you don't know the first thing about an AED, its true if you open one up, it will instruct you on how to apply it, and if you keep your head you may do so before the EMTs arrive; but time is an issue, and if you misapply through lack of familiarity, you may be costing your patient some time, which is about all they have left.

So yeah, to me CPR + AED training makes sense in today's world, so a class that does both is better than CPR only imho - but waiting for such a class doesn't make sense if you aren't CPR certified, get your CPR training right off from anyone who is certified, don't wait for a schedule to align the planets for you. And keep your eyes open for environments where AEDs live, I see them more and more in stores, libraries, conference centers etc, and once you notice the AED box on the wall its good to keep it in your mental map if you are going to be in the vicinity for a while. Your best call is still to alert 911 and begin CPR, but if someone runs up with an AED, step aside, or open it up and put your knowledge to use immediately.