What should you do with an AED during transport?

During transport, keeping the AED attached to the patient is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, if the patient experiences a cardiac arrest during transport, the AED can immediately assess the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. This readiness can significantly improve the chances of survival by ensuring that emergency defibrillation can be administered without delay.

Additionally, disconnecting the AED could lead to a situation where valuable time is lost in reattaching it or where reassessment is needed, which complicates an already urgent situation. It is also important to ensure that the electrodes are secure and positioned correctly on the patient’s chest as they are designed to remain attached during transport to provide continuous monitoring.

Keeping the device connected allows for the immediate application of life-saving intervention if the situation deteriorates, underscoring the importance of proper AED use protocols during emergency medical responses.