What should you ensure before using an AED on a patient?

What should you ensure before using an AED on a patient?

• A. The patient is wearing clothes
• B. No one is touching the patient
• C. The patient is positioned on a firm surface
• D. The patient is conscious

Answer: (B)

Before using an AED, it is critical to ensure that no one is touching the patient. This is necessary to prevent any accidental shocks being delivered to bystanders or caregivers during the AED's shock delivery process. The AED analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm and may advise a shock; if someone is touching the patient when the shock is delivered, they could be harmed. The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the essential safety concern that is crucial for AED operation. The patient's clothing, surface positioning, and consciousness do not take precedence over the need for a safe environment during the administration of an electric shock. Therefore, confirming that no one is in contact with the patient is the most vital step prior to using the AED.

Before using an AED, it is critical to ensure that no one is touching the patient. This is necessary to prevent any accidental shocks being delivered to bystanders or caregivers during the AED's shock delivery process. The AED analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm and may advise a shock; if someone is touching the patient when the shock is delivered, they could be harmed.

The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not address the essential safety concern that is crucial for AED operation. The patient's clothing, surface positioning, and consciousness do not take precedence over the need for a safe environment during the administration of an electric shock. Therefore, confirming that no one is in contact with the patient is the most vital step prior to using the AED.