What Should You Do If You Use An AED On Someone Who Has Been Submerged In Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Call 911.
  2. Perform hands-only CPR.
  3. Use an AED to shock the heart back into normal rhythm. If the person doesn’t need the shock, the AED will not deliver one.

Can you use a defibrillator on someone who drowned?

Most victims of drowning have not suffered a cardiac arrest which can be helped by the use of a defibrillator, although if you are somewhere where there is one

available

, then you can try it.

Can you attach a defibrillator to a casualty who is in water?

Yes,

it is safe to use AEDs in all weather conditions

. … If the victim is lying in water, move him or her to a relatively dry area before using the AED. In wet weather, be sure to wipe the victim’s chest dry before placing the electrode pads.

When using an AED is it okay for them to be in wet clothing but not submerged in water?

Pro Tip #2: It’s OK if the victim or the victim’s clothing is wet,

as long as the chest area is dry and you or the victim aren’t submerged in water

or connected by it.

What should you do if you are going to use an AED on a victim and you see that they have a medical patch on their right chest?

Turn on the AED and follow any audio and/or visual prompts. Open the person’s shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. If the person is wearing any medication patches, you should

use a gloved (if possible) hand to remove the patches

before wiping the person’s chest.

What not to do when someone is drowning?

If you suspect someone is drowning, follow these USSSA guidelines:

“Throw, Don’t Go”

— Never just jump in because a drowning person can accidentally pull their rescuers under with them. Tossing a lifesaving device, rope, towel, or even pool noodle helps the drowning person without increasing risk to others.

What is the first thing you will do to rescue someone who is choking or drowning?


Take a normal breath

, cover the victim’s mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second breaths as you watch for the chest to rise. Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives.

What happens if you place AED pads on a wet patient?


Water can cause the electrical current from the AED to travel across the skin rather than penetrating

through the person’s chest and appropriately shocking their heart. The AED may come with a towel to dry your victim.

What is the first step when using an AED?

  • 1Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
  • 2 Open the person’s shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. …
  • 3 Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
  • 4Make sure no one is, including you, is touching the person.

Is it OK to use an AED on a pregnant woman?

CPR in a pregnant woman should be done in cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths. It is also

safe to use

an automated external defibrillator, or AED, if one is available. Bystanders should not be afraid they might hurt the unborn baby, Jeejeebhoy said.

Can you defibrillate a wet patient?


An AED can be used on a wet surface

, although it is not ideal. … It is safe to use the AED if the patient is lying on snow or ice since they are not good conductors of electricity. When possible, defibrillation should be performed on a dry surface.

Can you defibrillate in water?

Answer: Current research indicates that most AEDs, because they’re self-grounded, are safe to use in and around wet environments with no risk to the victim, rescuer, or other passengers on the boat. … Current research, however, indicates that

AEDs are safe to use around water and on metal surfaces

.

What is the next step when an adult choking individual becomes unresponsive?

If a choking adult becomes unresponsive while you are doing abdominal thrust – you should ease the victim to the floor and send someone to activate your emergency response system. When a choking victim becomes unresponsive, you

begin the steps of CPR

-starting with compressions.

Should you use an AED as soon as possible?


When a cardiac arrest occurs

and an AED becomes available, it should be used as soon as possible.

What are 5 things to remember about using an AED?

  • Becomes unresponsive suddenly.
  • Stops breathing.
  • Does not respond when you tap on the shoulders firmly.
  • Does not respond when you ask, “Are you OK?”
  • Does not take a breath when you tilt the head up.

What signs or symptoms tell us a victim requires rescue breathing?

  • Sudden Collapse: Check for breathing and a pulse.
  • Unconsciousness: Try to wake the person. …
  • Breathing Problems: No breathing or limited breathing may call for CPR.
  • No Pulse: If a pulse can’t be felt, the heart may have stopped.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.