Many people think using an AED near water is a huge no-go. This myth can cost precious time in an emergency. While you can’t use a defibrillator on someone in the water, you absolutely can once they’re on dry land. This is critical for treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest, where survival chances drop every minute. So, what should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who has been submerged in water? We’ll walk you through the simple, life-saving steps to ensure everyone stays safe.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can strike without warning, even in water. An AED must be handled with caution to ensure safety. Wet conditions pose unique challenges. Improper use can harm both the victim and the responder. It is crucial to consult the AED’s manual for guidance on safely using the device in such situations.
What should you do if the person is in the water? Learn the safe steps for using an AED in this case. Then, ensure proper care.
Using an AED on someone fully submerged in water is unsafe and ineffective. But, if handled correctly, it can be used on a partially wet person. Whether the situation involves a swimming pool, rain, snow, or an ice rink, understanding when and how to use an AED—and knowing the precautions to take—can be crucial in saving a life during sudden cardiac arrest.
How an AED Can Save a Life During Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system fails. The heart then stops pumping blood. In such cases, immediate action is critical. Survival rates drop by 7-10% with each passing minute. High-quality CPR and a timely electric shock are essential within the first 10 minutes to save a life.
An AED restores normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. It recalibrates the heart’s electrical activity so the natural pacemaker can work again. Unlike manual defibrillators, AEDs are designed to deliver only a shock. They do this when they detect a shockable rhythm, like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Recognizing a Drowning Emergency
Knowing how to spot a drowning emergency is the first step in a successful rescue. Unlike the dramatic scenes often portrayed in movies, drowning is typically a quiet, subtle event. A person in distress is often unable to shout for help because their respiratory system is focused on getting air. Understanding the real signs of drowning and the specific risks associated with water can help you react faster and more effectively, creating a safer environment for everyone.
The Silent Signs of Drowning
Drowning rarely involves the loud splashing and calls for help we expect. Instead, a person may show very little movement. Look for a head that is low in the water, often tilted back with the mouth at water level. Their eyes might appear glassy, unfocused, or closed. They may seem to be gasping for air or hyperventilating. Another key sign is a person who appears to be trying to swim but is making no forward progress, sometimes looking like they are climbing an invisible ladder. Recognizing these silent signals is crucial. You must get the person out of the water and onto a dry surface before you can begin any life-saving measures, as an AED is unsafe and ineffective when someone is submerged.
Specific Water Risks for Children
Children are particularly vulnerable near water, and an emergency can unfold in moments. It’s important to remember that drowning can happen in just a few inches of water, including in bathtubs, buckets, and small wading pools. If a child suffers a cardiac arrest after being pulled from the water, you must follow specific safety steps before using a defibrillator. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so your first action must be to move the child to a dry area. Quickly wipe their chest and torso completely dry before applying the AED pads. Having a well-managed AED program ensures your device is ready and your team is trained on these critical protocols for any situation, including water-related emergencies.
Is It Safe to Use an AED on Someone in Water?
Water and electricity don’t mix. So, remove someone from the water before using an AED on a cardiac arrest victim. Staying in water could shock nearby people, including the operator. It would also reduce its effectiveness for the patient. Also, the AED pads won’t stick to wet skin. So, dry the person thoroughly before placing the pads.
Can You Use an AED in the Snow or on Ice?
Snow poses a different challenge than water. The victim usually lies on top of it rather than being submerged. If a sudden cardiac arrest occurs on a hockey rink, at a ski resort, or in snowy or icy conditions, an AED can be used once the patient’s chest is dry enough to attach the pads.
5 Steps for Using an AED on Someone Pulled From Water
Due to the shock involved, be cautious when using an AED on cardiac arrest victims who are in the water. An AED cannot be safely used while the person is in the water.
Suggest a simple method called Call-Push-Shock to save someone with Sudden Cardiac Arrest. If you suspect cardiac arrest, act quickly by following these essential steps.
- Call 911.
- Perform hands-on CPR.
- Use an AED to shock the heart back into normal rhythm. If the person doesn’t need the shock, the AED will not deliver one.
To use an AED on a person who is wet or has been in water, take precautions for safety and effectiveness.
1. Move to a Dry, Safe Area
If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest and they’re in water, focus on moving them to a dry area. Ensure the area around the responders is dry and puddle-free before proceeding.
2. Check for Breathing and Begin CPR
Once the person is in a safe, dry spot, you need to quickly assess their condition. Check for breathing by tilting their head back slightly and looking, listening, and feeling for breaths. If they are not breathing or are only taking occasional, gasping breaths, it’s time to act immediately. Don’t wait for the AED to be ready or for paramedics to arrive. Starting chest compressions right away can keep vital blood flowing to the brain and other organs, creating a critical bridge of time until an AED can be used or professional help takes over. This immediate action is a cornerstone of effective emergency response and a key part of any comprehensive AED program.
How to Perform CPR on an Adult
When performing CPR on an adult, the goal is to push hard and fast in the center of the chest. First, make sure 911 has been called. Kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, with your other hand on top. With straight arms, push down at least two inches deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute—the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” is a great guide. If you have received formal CPR training, you should provide two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. If you are not trained in rescue breaths, continue with hands-only CPR until help arrives. Consistent, high-quality chest compressions are the most important part.
How to Perform CPR on a Child or Infant
The technique for CPR changes slightly for children and infants to account for their smaller bodies. For a child (from age 1 to puberty), use the heel of one hand to deliver compressions in the center of the chest, pushing down about two inches. For an infant (under 1 year), use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line, and push down about 1.5 inches. The compression rate remains the same: 100 to 120 per minute. If you are trained, give two gentle rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Remember, when someone has experienced a cardiac arrest after being in the water, these initial steps are vital before you even use an AED.
2. Remove All Wet Clothing
First, attach the AED electrode pads and remove the person’s damp clothing to expose their bare chest. This step is essential for the device to work effectively.
Most AEDs come with scissors to quickly cut away a victim’s clothes in an emergency. If scissors are unavailable, tear or pull the clothing off the neck.
In the case of SCA, acting quickly is vital, as every second matters. Focus on saving the person’s life rather than worrying about their clothing.
3. Dry Their Chest Completely
After removing the person’s shirt, ensure their chest is thoroughly dried. Any moisture can interfere with the AED’s electrode pads. It can make proper application difficult.
Even minimal water on the skin can pose a danger when using an AED. It may cause the current to spread across the surface instead of reaching the heart.
If the AED includes a towel, use it to dry the victim’s chest thoroughly. If not, use whatever is available to remove all moisture. For practical use, dry the area where the electrode pads will go. This includes the skin on the ribs, upper stomach, neck, and armpits.
Using Rescue Kit Supplies for Chest Prep
Many AEDs come with a rescue kit that contains essentials like a small towel, gauze pads, or special wipes. These items are specifically included to help you prepare the person’s chest quickly. Use them to wipe away any remaining moisture, ensuring the skin is as dry as possible before you apply the pads. This step is crucial because it helps the pads stick firmly and allows the AED to analyze the heart’s rhythm accurately and deliver an effective shock. A comprehensive AED program ensures that these rescue kits are always stocked and ready to go. Having the right accessories on hand, like a prep razor or extra wipes, can make a significant difference in an emergency.
4. Apply the AED Pads
An AED evaluates the heart’s rhythm to decide if a shock is required. If necessary, it delivers the shock through two adhesive pads placed on the bare skin of the victim’s chest.
Ensure the skin, AED pads, and the area around the victim are completely dry. Once the chest is dry, follow the AED instructions to place the pads correctly.
Correct Pad Placement
Once the chest is completely dry, it’s time to apply the pads. Open the AED package and peel the backing off each pad. The pads themselves will have clear diagrams showing you exactly where to place them, so you don’t have to rely on memory in a stressful moment. Typically, one pad goes on the upper right side of the person’s chest, just below the collarbone. The other pad goes on the lower left side of their chest, a few inches below the armpit. Make sure the pads stick firmly to the bare skin without any gaps. This correct placement allows the electrical current to travel through the heart effectively. Also, take a quick look for any implanted devices like pacemakers or medication patches. If you see one, place the AED pad at least one inch away from it, not directly on top.
5. Stand Clear Before the Shock
The AED analyzes the heart rhythm after placing the electrodes on the patient’s chest. If someone needs a shock, the device will be prepared to deliver it. Some AEDs shock automatically. Others need the user to press a button. It is not possible to remove the adverb.
Read and follow the AED’s user manual. Pay special attention to the instructions to avoid touching the patient when advised.
6. Provide Care After the Shock
After the AED delivers a shock, your job isn’t quite done. The moments that follow are just as critical for the person’s survival. The AED will continue to guide you with voice prompts, so it’s important to keep listening to its instructions. Depending on the person’s response to the shock, you’ll either need to resume CPR or move them into a safe position while you wait for emergency responders to arrive. Staying calm and focused is key, as your actions continue to make a significant difference. Monitoring their condition closely and following the correct post-shock procedures ensures they have the best possible chance until professional medical help takes over.
When to Continue CPR
If the AED delivers a shock but the person remains unresponsive—meaning they are not breathing, coughing, or moving—you need to restart CPR immediately. Don’t wait for the AED to prompt you again unless it specifically tells you to stand by. The goal is to keep oxygen-rich blood circulating to the brain and other vital organs. The shock may have reset the heart’s electrical rhythm, but the heart muscle might need the mechanical pumping action of CPR to begin beating effectively on its own. Continue with chest compressions until the person shows obvious signs of life or until emergency medical services arrive and can take over. Proper CPR training is invaluable in these moments, giving you the confidence to act decisively.
Using the Recovery Position
On the other hand, if the person begins to breathe normally, cough, or move after the shock, that’s a great sign. In this case, you don’t need to continue CPR. Instead, you should carefully roll them onto their side into the recovery position. This simple maneuver is crucial because it helps keep their airway open and clear. If they were to vomit, this position prevents them from choking. To do this, gently roll them toward you while supporting their head and neck, using their arms and legs to stabilize their body. Stay with them and continue to monitor their breathing and responsiveness until help arrives. Even though they are showing signs of life, their condition is still fragile and requires close attention.
Key Safety Rules for Using an AED Near Water
AEDs are frequently required near water, as drowning is a leading cause of cardiac arrest. New York law requires all swimming pools to have an AED on-site. This addresses the increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
If someone has a sudden cardiac arrest in water, immediate action is crucial. This applies to pools, beaches, floods, or even rain.
- Make sure it is safe to remove the person from the water. Don’t put yourself at risk. Then, move them to a nearby dry area.
- Call 9-1-1. Instruct someone to get an AED. Begin CPR immediately.
- When the AED arrives, quickly remove wet clothing from the upper body. This includes swimsuits and undergarments. Use scissors from the AED kit if available, or tear the clothing away to expose the chest.
- Thoroughly dry the victim’s bare chest using a towel or dry clothing. Also, dry the upper stomach, neck, armpits, and sides.
- After ensuring the victim’s chest is fully dry, place the AED pads in the correct positions on their skin. For detailed guidance on pad placement, consult our guide. It covers adults, children, and those with pacemakers.
- Deploy the AED while you continue CPR.
How to Use an AED in Snow or Icy Conditions
Using a portable defibrillator in the snow is less complicated than in water. Dry the victim’s chest and surrounding areas completely before placing the AED pads. Keep the device warm by placing it on a jacket. Before you deliver the shock, shout, “Stand clear.” Then, ensure no one is touching the victim. After that, proceed with the shock as instructed by the device.
Why You Can Trust an AED in Wet Environments
All automated external defibrillators can deliver a shock. But some models are designed to work in humid, wet, or icy conditions. The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P and 450P are great for tough environments.
- At 2.4 lbs, the Samaritan PAD is compact and light. It can be easily carried across sand, snow, or ice to reach a victim quickly.
- The Samaritan PAD is very durable. It has an IP56 dust and water resistance rating. It is also certified by the Military Standard Drop Test.
- The Samaritan PAD works in temps of 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C). It can handle 5% to 95% humidity (non-condensing) and altitudes up to 15,000 feet (4,575 meters), per its user manual.
AEDs must not be submerged in water or snow while treating cardiac arrest victims. This can damage the device and risk shock or fire to the victim and bystanders.
FAQs
Can You Use an AED While Someone Is Still in Water?
No, an AED cannot be used on someone who is fully submerged in water. Move the person to a dry area. Then, dry their chest. This ensures the AED pads are safe and effective.
What’s the First Step if the Person Is Wet?
If the person is wet but not submerged, dry their chest entirely before attaching the AED pads. This ensures the pads stick. It prevents current from traveling across the skin instead of reaching the heart.
Are There Shock Risks for the Rescuer in Wet Conditions?
Yes, you can use an AED in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, but you must take precautions. Ensure the victim’s chest is dry, and place the AED on a dry surface to avoid any electrical hazards.
Do AEDs Work for Infants and Children?
Yes, you can use an AED on an infant experiencing cardiac arrest. Many AEDs have pediatric pads or settings for infants and children.
What Happens if the AED Itself Gets Wet?
If an AED becomes wet, it could malfunction and pose risks to users and victims. Always keep the device dry and protect it from water exposure during emergencies.
Why Is a Dry Chest So Important for an AED to Work?
Drying the victim’s chest ensures the AED pads stick. It lets the shock hit the heart, not disperse across the skin. This step is critical for the AED to function correctly.
Does Sweat Affect How an AED Works?
Yes, but you must dry their chest entirely before applying the pads. Excess moisture can prevent the pads from sticking. It may also interfere with the device’s performance.
Are AEDs Built to Withstand Extreme Weather?
Some AEDs, like the HeartSine Samaritan PAD, can withstand humidity and cold. They are suitable for use in challenging conditions.
Be Prepared to Act in Any Condition
In cardiac arrest emergencies, knowing how to use an AED can save lives. This is true even in harsh conditions, like wet environments or with infants. If the victim is in water or wet from rain or snow, take precautions. This will ensure the AED works and protects everyone. Always follow the device’s instructions. Keep it dry. Act quickly to give the victim the best chance of survival. With the right knowledge and prep, you can save lives when seconds matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Move, Dry, Apply: Before anything else, get the person out of standing water and wipe their chest completely dry. This is a non-negotiable step for safety and ensures the AED pads can stick properly to deliver an effective shock.
- CPR is Your First Move: Don’t wait for the AED to arrive before taking action. As soon as the person is on a dry surface, call 911 and begin chest compressions to keep blood circulating to their vital organs.
- Weather Isn’t a Barrier: You can and should use an AED in rain, snow, or icy conditions. The key is to follow the same core principle: create a dry, bare surface on the chest for the pads before you proceed.
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