Which statement about AED use is true?

• A. AED should be used on a victim with signs of circulation
• B. AED should be used on a victim without signs of circulation
• C. AED should be used only after you have started CPR
• D. AED should be used only in hospitals

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that defibrillation with an AED is used when the person has no signs of circulation. When there’s no pulse or normal breathing, the heart isn’t effectively pumping, and a shock from the AED can restore a livable rhythm. If the person does have signs of circulation, you don’t shock them because a pulse means the heart is still beating; you focus on keeping the person safe, open the airway if needed, and monitor while CPR is started or continued as appropriate. Use the AED as soon as it’s available and follow its prompts, not only after you’ve started CPR, and you don’t need to be in a hospital for it to be appropriate—the device is designed for both out-of-hospital and in-hospital use.