What is a consideration when you are using an AED?

What is a consideration when you are using an AED?

• A. Hair on the chest can prevent pad adhesion and effective shock
• B. Pads will always stick to the chest regardless of hair
• C. You should remove all clothing before placing pads
• D. You should perform rescue breaths instead of shocks during CPR

Answer: (A)

When using an AED, getting a strong, unobstructed contact between the pads and the skin is essential for the shock to be effective. Chest hair can prevent the pads from sticking properly and create small gaps that interfere with current delivery. If you encounter hair in the pad placement area, quickly shave or trim it so the pads can lie flat against dry skin and adhere well. Dry skin is also important, so wipe away sweat or moisture as needed before placing the pads. That helps explain why this consideration matters. Other statements aren’t accurate: pads won’t always stick if there’s hair, so shaving helps; you should expose the chest by removing or cutting away clothing as needed to place the pads correctly, not necessarily remove every item; and you should follow the AED prompts and deliver a shock when advised, rather than avoiding shocks in favor of breaths.

When using an AED, getting a strong, unobstructed contact between the pads and the skin is essential for the shock to be effective. Chest hair can prevent the pads from sticking properly and create small gaps that interfere with current delivery. If you encounter hair in the pad placement area, quickly shave or trim it so the pads can lie flat against dry skin and adhere well. Dry skin is also important, so wipe away sweat or moisture as needed before placing the pads.

That helps explain why this consideration matters. Other statements aren’t accurate: pads won’t always stick if there’s hair, so shaving helps; you should expose the chest by removing or cutting away clothing as needed to place the pads correctly, not necessarily remove every item; and you should follow the AED prompts and deliver a shock when advised, rather than avoiding shocks in favor of breaths.