How to Use an AED in the Rain

AEDs help rescuers treat cardiac arrest until emergency help arrives.

Automated External Defibrillators have become increasingly popular because people without any medical knowledge can use them to save lives. An AED is a small, portable device that analyzes the heart rhythm for abnormalities and directs a rescuer to administer an electrical shock to the heart, if needed. An abnormal heart rhythm often causes cardiac arrest, resulting in death unless an AED is used to restore a normal heart rhythm. Defibrillators can be used under many conditions, but you must follow important steps to use an AED in the rain.

Instructions

1. Establish that the victim is unresponsive by shaking the person's arm and calling to him in a loud voice. According to the American Red Cross, AEDs can be used in a variety of environments including rain and snow, but the victim and rescuer should not be in a puddle of water when operating an AED. After calling 9-1-1, immediately move the victim to a dry, safe place.

2. Check the victim for a pulse by pressing two fingers under the jaw bone, against the carotid artery in the neck. Verify that the victim has no pulse before beginning AED treatment.

3. Remove the victim's shirt to expose his chest. If the person's chest is wet, wipe the area down with a clean cloth and get his skin as dry as possible to prepare for AED treatment. Ensure that water is not collecting on the ground around you or the victim, and always follow manufacturer's instructions when using an AED, especially in inclement weather.

4. Press "On" to power on the AED machine and follow the AED voice prompts as the device guides you through the analyzing and shocking process. Remove the adhesive paper from the back of the electrode pads and follow the AED screen prompts to direct you with electrode placement. Press one pad onto the right-center of the person's chest above the nipple and place the other pad on the victim's left side below the nipple and pectoral muscle.

5. Verify that nobody is touching the victim and push "Analyze" on the front of the AED. The AED will analyze the victim's heart rhythm and inform you when shocks are necessary. A "No Shock" message indicates the victim now has a pulse, or has a heart rhythm that cannot be treated with an AED. You will not be able to use the machine to deliver a shock unless the AED registers that it is needed.

6. Shock the victim if the AED indicates that a shock is required. Verify that nobody is touching the victim and push "Shock" to deliver an electrical current to the victim's heart. After the first shock is delivered, press "Analyze" to assess the victim's heart rhythm.

7. Deliver another shock if the AED indicates a second shock is necessary to restore a normal rhythm. The AED automatically adjusts the amount of energy delivered for each shock, so the correct amount is always administered. After the second shock is delivered, analyze a third time and deliver a third shock, if prompted by the AED.

Tips & Warnings

• Never place AED electrode pads directly over medication patches on the chest or cardiac pacemakers.

References

• American Red Cross: AED Frequently Asked Questions
• Emergency Center for Early Defibrillation: AED Training
• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: How to use an Automated External Defibrillator

Resources

• Cardiac Science: Community AED Programs