Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use Flashcards

A victim is found in a pool of water. What should you do before using an AED?

Answer: Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest

The victim must be moved to a dry surface and the chest dried before AED pads are applied to prevent shock conduction through water.

An AED analyzes the heart rhythm and advises 'No shock recommended.' What is the correct next action?

Answer: Resume CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions

If no shock is advised, resume CPR immediately beginning with chest compressions, as the rhythm may be non-shockable (e.g., PEA or asystole).

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the AED's rhythm analysis phase?

Answer: To determine if a shockable rhythm such as VF or pulseless VT is present

The AED analyzes the cardiac rhythm to detect shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT).

You are using an AED on an adult victim and notice significant chest hair. What should you do?

Answer: Shave the chest if a razor is available, or press pads firmly and remove quickly to clear hair, then reapply

Excess chest hair can prevent good pad contact; quickly shaving or using a pad to strip hair improves electrode adhesion for accurate analysis and effective shock delivery.

After delivering a shock with the AED, what is the immediate next step?

Answer: Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions

Immediately after a shock, resume CPR starting with chest compressions without pausing to check for a pulse.

A victim has a nitroglycerin patch on their chest. What should the rescuer do before placing AED pads?

Answer: Remove the patch and wipe the area clean before applying pads

Medication patches should be removed and the skin wiped clean before AED pad placement to prevent interference with pad adhesion and to avoid burns.

In a two-rescuer BLS scenario, while one rescuer operates the AED, what should the second rescuer do?

Answer: Perform continuous chest compressions until the AED is ready to analyze

The second rescuer continues chest compressions while the first sets up the AED, minimizing interruptions to circulation.

What is the recommended pad placement for an adult victim when using an AED?

Answer: One pad on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side (below armpit)

Standard AED pad placement is one electrode on the upper right chest below the collarbone and one on the lower left side of the chest below the armpit.

Which cardiac rhythm does an AED NOT treat with a shock?

Answer: Asystole ('flatline')

Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; AEDs only deliver shocks for VF and pVT, and asystole requires CPR rather than defibrillation.

A child victim is estimated to be 6 years old. Which AED setting or equipment should you use?

Answer: Pediatric pads or a pediatric dose-attenuator if available; use adult if not

For children aged 1-8 years, use pediatric pads or an energy attenuator when available; if unavailable, adult pads and adult energy may be used.

How long should you allow the AED to analyze the victim's heart rhythm before prompting it to deliver a shock?

Answer: The AED completes analysis automatically; do not interrupt it

The AED performs its own rhythm analysis automatically; all movement and CPR must stop and the rescuer must not touch the victim during analysis.

You arrive at a scene where a bystander has already started CPR. An AED is available. What is the priority?

Answer: Attach the AED as quickly as possible while minimizing CPR interruptions

Attach the AED as quickly as possible while the other rescuer continues CPR, pausing only briefly when the AED is ready to analyze.

What does it mean when an AED gives a 'low battery' indicator during use?

Answer: Continue using the AED; it may still function, but arrange for a replacement or new battery

Continue using the AED as it may still deliver shocks; however, notify EMS and attempt to replace the battery if possible without interrupting resuscitation.

Why is it important to shout 'Clear!' before pressing the shock button on an AED?

Answer: To ensure no one is touching the victim when the shock is delivered, preventing injury to rescuers

Shouting 'Clear!' and visually confirming no one is touching the victim prevents the electrical shock from being conducted through bystanders.

An AED is available but the victim has an implanted pacemaker or ICD visible under the skin on the chest. Where should the AED pad be placed?

Answer: At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the implanted device

AED pads should be placed at least 1 inch away from implanted pacemakers or ICDs to prevent interference with pad contact and effective defibrillation.

Which of the following is TRUE about using an AED on an infant under 1 year of age?

Answer: A manual defibrillator is preferred; if unavailable, use AED with pediatric pads or attenuator

A manual defibrillator is preferred for infants under 1 year; if unavailable, use an AED with pediatric pads or a dose attenuator, or adult pads as a last resort.

After EMS arrives and takes over, the AED is still attached. What should the rescuer do?

Answer: Leave the AED attached and hand over to EMS, providing a summary of events

Leave the AED attached and brief EMS on the number of shocks delivered, CPR performed, and timeline of events for continuity of care.

A victim is wearing a wet shirt. What should you do before applying AED pads?

Answer: Remove or cut the shirt and dry the chest before applying pads

Clothing and moisture must be removed from the chest to ensure proper pad adhesion and accurate rhythm analysis.

What is the correct sequence when using an AED as part of the BLS Chain of Survival?

Answer: Recognize arrest → Call 911 → Start CPR → Use AED → Advanced care

The correct BLS sequence is: recognize cardiac arrest, call 911, start high-quality CPR, use AED as soon as available, then transfer to advanced care.

You deliver a shock and the victim shows signs of life (breathing, movement). What should you do?

Answer: Place the victim in recovery position if breathing normally and leave AED attached

If the victim resumes normal breathing and has signs of life, place them in the recovery position (if no suspected spinal injury) and keep AED attached until EMS arrives.