Automated External Defibrillators – Do Nots

We have all seen them at airports, venues anywhere there are lots of people gathered, heck even my dentist’s office has an  AED! Called by many names: emergency defibrillator, automated external defibrillator, external defibrillator, but abbreviated – AED.
So what do you do when someone collapses and appears unresponsive? Often there is a trained bystander and you should take the time to become one. Whether trained or not this device leads one through application and use.

This blog is solely committed to when you should NOT use an AED. This is something you must read, totally comprehend, and register! It is SO easy to harm someone with an AED when all you want to do is the opposite.

Not surprisingly the folks that may need an AED have medical conditions so:

Do not place AED pad over a pacemaker (hard lump under chest skin).
Do not put an AED pad over a medication patch.

Circumstances dictate everyone’s safety so:

Do not use AED if the victim is lying in water.
Do not use AED if chest is covered with sweat or water.

Children are to only a certain extent small adults so:
Do not use an AED on infants (less than 12 months) unless trained to do so.
Do not use adult pads on children under age 8 unless non-other are available.

FINALLY, remember:
Do not touch a victim when AED says to “stand clear” or while delivering a shock.