Lifesavers should be able to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely on adults and children. Safety measures include, but are not limited to, the following:
Victim
- Check responsiveness — a victim must be unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Ensure the AED pads are not touching each other.
- Do not place AED pads over medication patches.
- Make sure that the AED pads are at least 8 cm away from an implanted pacemaker.
- Oxygen units should be moved away during defibrillation and the flow of oxygen from face masks directed away from the victim’s chest.
- Remove any ‘quick and easy to remove’ necklaces or other body jewellery that is in the way of, or within 2.5 cm of, pad placement before AED use.
Environment
- Dry a wet victim’s chest before positioning the AED pads.
- Ensure no-one has contact with the victim during defibrillation.
- Move the victim before operating the AED if they are on a conductive surface like a metal platform or a pool of liquid, e.g., water, vomit, blood.
- Avoid operating an AED in an unstable environment that may prevent it from performing a valid assessment of the victim, e.g., in a moving vehicle.
- Operate an AED in an explosive environment, e.g., where gases or fumes might be present.
Refer to the AED manufacturer’s guidelines to note more safety precautions for the AEDs used at your surf lifesaving club, e.g., their level of water resistance for wet weather conditions.