If a victim is lying in water, what should you do before applying AED pads?

If a victim is lying in water, what should you do before applying AED pads?

• A. Move the victim to a dry area
• B. Apply pads immediately without moving
• C. Use the second set of pads
• D. Place pads on water

Answer: (A)

Pads must stick to dry skin for the shock to be delivered correctly. Water on the chest can conduct electricity in unpredictable ways, prevents the pads from adhering properly, and can increase the risk of skin burns or ineffective defibrillation. So the best action is to move the victim to a dry area before applying the AED pads, if it can be done safely. Continue CPR while you reposition and, once on a dry surface, wipe the chest as dry as possible and place the pads in the correct positions.

Pads must stick to dry skin for the shock to be delivered correctly. Water on the chest can conduct electricity in unpredictable ways, prevents the pads from adhering properly, and can increase the risk of skin burns or ineffective defibrillation. So the best action is to move the victim to a dry area before applying the AED pads, if it can be done safely. Continue CPR while you reposition and, once on a dry surface, wipe the chest as dry as possible and place the pads in the correct positions.