A force sensor, for use in combination with an automated electronic defibrillator (AED), includes a first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is spaced apart from the first conductive layer such that no electrical communication occurs between the first and second conductive layers. An electrical communication device is provided for establishing electrical communication between the first and second conductive layers responsive to the application of a force to said electrical communication means. A method of prompting a rescuer in the application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a victim includes the steps of: sensing a force applied by the rescuer to the victim's sternum; sensing an interval between successive applications of force to the victim's sternum; comparing the force applied by the rescuer to the victim's sternum to a standard of force known to effect resuscitation; providing a prompt to the rescuer that prompts the rescuer to vary the force delivered to approximate the force that is known to effect resuscitation, comparing the interval between successive applications of force to the victim's sternum to a standard interval known to effect resuscitation; and providing a prompt to the rescuer that prompts the rescuer to vary the interval of force application to approximate the interval that is known to effect resuscitation.