a. Arrive on the scene and perform your initial assessment. Assess the patient
for responsiveness. If the patient is responsive, do not apply the AED. A conscious
patient may be in ventricular tachycardia, which is recognized as a shockable rhythm by
the AED. It is not advised to shock a conscious patient with the AED.
b. Stop CPR.
c. Verify pulselessness and apnea. Check for "adequate" breathing and a
pulse.
d. Resume CPR.
e. Prepare the AED.
f. Turn on the machine.
g. Remove the clothing from the patient's chest area and apply AED pads.
(1) Apply the two pads to the patients' bare chest (figure 8-3). Apply one
pad to the right of the sternum just below the clavicle. Apply the other pad to the left
part of the chest with the top of the pad 2 to 3 inches below the armpit.
Figure 8-3. Proper placement of electrode pads.
MD0532
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