American Lifeguard Practice Exam

What should you check for to determine the appropriateness of using an AED on a victim?

1. Look for movement and check for breathing and a pulse.

2. Check for a heartbeat and ensure the area is clear.

3. Ask the victim if they are conscious.

4. Count the victim's breaths per minute.

The correct answer is: Look for movement and check for breathing and a pulse.

To determine the appropriateness of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a victim, it is essential to assess the victim's responsiveness by looking for movement, checking for breathing, and confirming the presence of a pulse. If the person is unresponsive, not breathing, and does not have a detectable pulse, this indicates the need for immediate intervention, including the use of an AED if available. Identifying a lack of movement and normal breathing is crucial, as these signs can help confirm that the victim is in a state of cardiac arrest, a condition where an AED can be effective. While assessing victim consciousness, breathing, and pulse provides a clear picture of their condition, other options, like counting breaths per minute or asking the victim about their consciousness, may not yield the urgency required for using an AED. The heartbeat check and ensuring the area is clear are vital steps in the overall approach to using the AED, but they may not fully encompass the critical initial assessment needed to justify immediate defibrillation.