Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What must be done before attaching the AED pads?

1. Bare the chest area of the casualty

2. Ensure the casualty is lying down

3. Apply CPR for at least 1 minute

4. Attach oxygen mask first

The correct answer is: Bare the chest area of the casualty

When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), it is crucial to bare the chest area of the casualty before attaching the AED pads. This step is necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the pads to the skin, which is vital for the delivery of an effective shock if needed. Hair, clothing, or any barriers can prevent the pads from making optimal contact, thereby reducing the efficacy of the defibrillation process. Baring the chest also allows for better visibility of the casualty’s condition, enabling responders to check for any signs of injury or other issues that may need attention. The pads themselves need direct skin contact to properly sense the heart's rhythm and deliver shocks, if required. In this context, ensuring that the casualty is lying down is important for their safety and comfort, but it does not directly relate to the proper and effective use of the AED pads. Likewise, while CPR may be necessary depending on the scenario, it does not need to be administered for a specific duration before using the AED in an emergency situation. Finally, an oxygen mask is not a prerequisite for the use of an AED; the primary focus is on the defibrillation process when dealing with a cardiac arrest.