Prior to attaching an AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should:

Prior to attaching an AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should:

• A. Check for a pulse
• B. Remove the patient from water
• C. Dry the chest off if it is wet
• D. Apply an oxygen mask

Answer: (C)

Moisture on the chest can prevent the AED pads from sticking properly and increase skin impedance, which can make the shock less effective or cause burns. Drying the chest ensures good pad contact and optimal current delivery, so the AED can function as intended. While removing the patient from water is important, the specific step that directly improves the AED’s effectiveness is drying the chest. An oxygen mask and a prior pulse check aren’t needed to ready the AED for pad placement.

Moisture on the chest can prevent the AED pads from sticking properly and increase skin impedance, which can make the shock less effective or cause burns. Drying the chest ensures good pad contact and optimal current delivery, so the AED can function as intended. While removing the patient from water is important, the specific step that directly improves the AED’s effectiveness is drying the chest. An oxygen mask and a prior pulse check aren’t needed to ready the AED for pad placement.