BLS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended pad placement for an adult victim when using an AED?
- Both pads on the left side of the chest
- One pad on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side (below armpit) (Correct answer)
- One pad on the upper left chest and one on the lower right side
- Both pads on the victim's back
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which cardiac rhythm does an AED NOT treat with a shock?
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)
- Asystole ('flatline') (Correct answer)
- Coarse ventricular fibrillation
Correct answer: Asystole ('flatline')
Asystole is a non-shockable rhythm; AEDs only deliver shocks for VF and pVT, and asystole requires CPR rather than defibrillation.
Question 3: A child victim is estimated to be 6 years old. Which AED setting or equipment should you use?
- Standard adult pads and adult energy dose
- Pediatric pads or a pediatric dose-attenuator if available; use adult if not (Correct answer)
- Skip the AED entirely for children
- Double the adult dose on the AED
Correct 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.
Question 4: How long should you allow the AED to analyze the victim's heart rhythm before prompting it to deliver a shock?
- The AED completes analysis automatically; do not interrupt it (Correct answer)
- Press the analyze button repeatedly to speed up the process
- Manually assess rhythm for 10 seconds first
- Begin compressions during analysis to save time
Correct 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.
Question 5: You arrive at a scene where a bystander has already started CPR. An AED is available. What is the priority?
- Ask the bystander to stop CPR and wait while you set up the AED
- Attach the AED as quickly as possible while minimizing CPR interruptions (Correct answer)
- Perform two rescue breaths first before touching the AED
- Wait for EMS to arrive before using the AED
Correct 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.
Question 6: What does it mean when an AED gives a 'low battery' indicator during use?
- The AED will immediately shut down and cannot be used
- Continue using the AED; it may still function, but arrange for a replacement or new battery (Correct answer)
- Remove the battery and replace it before proceeding
- Switch to manual defibrillation only
Correct 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.
Question 7: Why is it important to shout 'Clear!' before pressing the shock button on an AED?
- To alert bystanders to begin CPR
- To ensure no one is touching the victim when the shock is delivered, preventing injury to rescuers (Correct answer)
- To signal EMS that a shock is being given
- To reset the AED's analysis cycle
Correct 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.
BLS Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use 3
What is the recommended pad placement for an adult victim when using an AED?