In which situation should an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) be used?

Prepare for the Alberta College of Paramedics Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is specifically indicated for unresponsive patients who exhibit no pulse and are suspected of experiencing cardiac arrest. This scenario is critical because the primary purpose of an AED is to deliver a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm when a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, occurs.

When a patient is unresponsive and lacks a pulse, it strongly suggests that their heart is not effectively pumping blood, which necessitates urgent intervention. The AED can analyze the heart's electrical activity and determine if a shock is necessary to help re-establish a proper cardiac rhythm.

In contrast, a conscious and alert individual would not benefit from defibrillation; similarly, a patient who is unresponsive but has a pulse may require different medical interventions, such as airway management or respiratory support, rather than defibrillation. For patients experiencing respiratory distress, the focus would typically be on improving oxygenation and ventilation rather than on utilizing an AED.

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