When an AED is available, what should you do?

When an AED is available, what should you do?

• A. Inspect the person for life-threatening injuries.
• B. Turn on the AED and follow prompts.
• C. Wait for EMS.
• D. Give mouth-to-mouth.

Answer: (B)

In a situation of suspected cardiac arrest, the fastest way to improve survival is to use the AED as soon as it’s available. Turn the AED on and follow its prompts. The device will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you whether a shock is advised. Attach the pads as shown on the pad diagram, make sure no one is touching the person during analysis and during a shock, and then resume CPR after the shock or if no shock is advised. This guided, rapid action is what makes the AED effective. Waiting for EMS or focusing on other checks delays life-saving treatment, and giving mouth-to-mouth isn’t the priority when an AED is present and you’re guiding the process with the device.

In a situation of suspected cardiac arrest, the fastest way to improve survival is to use the AED as soon as it’s available. Turn the AED on and follow its prompts. The device will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you whether a shock is advised. Attach the pads as shown on the pad diagram, make sure no one is touching the person during analysis and during a shock, and then resume CPR after the shock or if no shock is advised. This guided, rapid action is what makes the AED effective.

Waiting for EMS or focusing on other checks delays life-saving treatment, and giving mouth-to-mouth isn’t the priority when an AED is present and you’re guiding the process with the device.