When using an AED, it is very important to ensure that no one is touching the victim while the AED is analyzing the heart rhythm. This is critical because any movement or physical contact can interfere with the AED’s ability to accurately assess the heart’s electrical activity, potentially leading to failure to detect a shockable rhythm or delivering an inappropriate shock
. Key points to follow while the AED is analyzing:
- Verbally instruct everyone to stay clear of the victim, using clear commands like "Stay clear; the AED is analyzing"
- Physically verify that no one, including yourself, is in contact with the victim.
- Immediately pause any ongoing CPR when the AED signals it is analyzing to avoid interference
- Follow all AED voice and visual prompts carefully during this phase
Adhering strictly to these steps ensures the AED can correctly determine whether a shock is needed, which is essential for effective defibrillation and increasing the victim’s chance of survival.
