What is an important step to take when using an AED?

What is an important step to take when using an AED?

• A. Give a shock only when instructed by the unit; be sure everyone is clear of the victim before giving a shock; use the AED only if the victim is not breathing and has no signs of circulation
• B. Apply pads and shock immediately
• C. Use AED only if trained
• D. Place pads on back first

Answer: (A)

Using an AED correctly hinges on following what the device tells you and keeping the scene safe. You attach the pads and then wait for the unit to analyze the heart rhythm. Only shock when the device instructs you to do so, and before delivering the shock make sure that nobody is touching the victim. This protects bystanders and ensures the shock goes to the heart, not to someone nearby. You should use the AED when the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and there are no signs of circulation. That combination indicates a potential cardiac arrest rhythm that could be corrected with a shock, and the AED will guide you through the steps, including whether to resume CPR after a shock. Pads are placed as directed by the device on the bare chest (typically one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side); placing pads on the back first isn’t the standard method. The device’s prompts also cover when to start or resume CPR and how to proceed, so it’s safe for untrained bystanders to use as long as they follow the prompts.

Using an AED correctly hinges on following what the device tells you and keeping the scene safe. You attach the pads and then wait for the unit to analyze the heart rhythm. Only shock when the device instructs you to do so, and before delivering the shock make sure that nobody is touching the victim. This protects bystanders and ensures the shock goes to the heart, not to someone nearby.

You should use the AED when the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and there are no signs of circulation. That combination indicates a potential cardiac arrest rhythm that could be corrected with a shock, and the AED will guide you through the steps, including whether to resume CPR after a shock.

Pads are placed as directed by the device on the bare chest (typically one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side); placing pads on the back first isn’t the standard method. The device’s prompts also cover when to start or resume CPR and how to proceed, so it’s safe for untrained bystanders to use as long as they follow the prompts.