Prior to attaching the AED, which action is recommended if the chest is wet?

Prior to attaching the AED, which action is recommended if the chest is wet?

• A. Dry the chest.
• B. CPR for 30 seconds.
• C. Contact medical control.
• D. Dry the chest if it is wet.

Answer: (D)

When applying an AED, you want the pads to stick firmly and deliver the shock effectively. If the chest is wet, water can prevent full contact between the pads and the skin and can even alter how the current travels, increasing the risk of burns or an ineffective shock. Drying the chest before placing the pads ensures good pad adhesion and proper conduction of the defibrillation energy. So, if the chest is wet, you should dry it before attaching the AED pads. The other options don’t fit this specific step: you wouldn’t wait with CPR for 30 seconds before applying the pads, and medical control isn’t needed for this immediate preparation. The key action is to dry the chest if it is wet.

When applying an AED, you want the pads to stick firmly and deliver the shock effectively. If the chest is wet, water can prevent full contact between the pads and the skin and can even alter how the current travels, increasing the risk of burns or an ineffective shock. Drying the chest before placing the pads ensures good pad adhesion and proper conduction of the defibrillation energy. So, if the chest is wet, you should dry it before attaching the AED pads.

The other options don’t fit this specific step: you wouldn’t wait with CPR for 30 seconds before applying the pads, and medical control isn’t needed for this immediate preparation. The key action is to dry the chest if it is wet.