What are some indications for the use of an AED?

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

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is specifically designed for use in cases of suspected cardiac arrest to restore a normal heart rhythm. When a patient is unresponsive and experiencing cardiac arrest, the heart may be in a lethal rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The timely application of an AED can deliver an electrical shock to the heart to disrupt these rhythms and allow the heart to re-establish a functional rhythm.

Using an AED on a patient who is unresponsive and suspected of having a cardiac arrest is critical for increasing the chances of survival. Early defibrillation is a key component of the chain of survival in such emergencies.

In contrast, patients showing signs of life or who are breathing but responsive do not require an AED, as they may not need defibrillation. A patient with high blood pressure also does not indicate a need for an AED, as hypertension itself does not correlate with the immediate need for defibrillation unless accompanied by a cardiac arrest scenario. Thus, option C accurately describes a situation where the AED is appropriate to use.

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