Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart stops beating. It is a life-threatening situation that demands immediate action. Without prompt treatment, survival chances drop by 7 to 10% for every minute that passes. The best way to respond to SCA is with an AED. It delivers a shock to restore the heart’s rhythm.
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 helps with sudden 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.
Can you use an AED on someone who is submerged 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?
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.
What should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who has been submerged in 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. Remove the victim from the water and move them to a dry 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. Remove wet clothes
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 chest of the victim
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.
4. Attach 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.
5. Move away from the victim before the AED delivers the electric 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.
What should you do if you need to use an AED on someone who is submerged in 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.
What to do if you need to use an AED on someone on snow or ice.
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.
AED machines are recommended for use near water and snow.
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 an AED be used on someone submerged 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 should I do if someone needs an AED and 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.
Is it safe to use an AED 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.
Can an AED be used on an infant?
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 an AED 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 it important to dry a victim’s chest before using an AED?
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.
Can you use an AED on a wet or sweaty person?
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.
How do AEDs handle humid or extreme weather conditions?
Some AEDs, like the HeartSine Samaritan PAD, can withstand humidity and cold. They are suitable for use in challenging conditions.
Conclusion
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.
