Can You Use an AED on a Drowning Victim?

Picture this: you’re spending the day at the lake, swimming with your friends. Suddenly, someone goes under, and a few moments later, they’re pulled out, unresponsive and not breathing. It’s a scary situation, and if there’s an AED nearby, you might wonder if it can help.

So, can you use an AED on a drowning victim? 

The Short Answer

AEDs are designed to restore or reset a heart that’s beating irregularly, and that can definitely happen in drowning situations. So the answer is yes, you can use an AED on someone who’s drowned, but there are a few important steps to follow first. 

When someone drowns, their heart usually stops because they’ve been deprived of oxygen, not because of a sudden heart issue. That means the priority is to get air moving again.

CPR Comes First!

Updated guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend starting with CPR before using an AED when dealing with a drowning victim. That’s because the main issue is usually lack of oxygen, not necessarily an electrical problem with the heart.

Studies show that when cardiac arrest is caused by something like drowning, survival rates are higher when CPR includes breathing support, not just compressions. Trained rescuers are encouraged to begin with two rescue breaths, followed by 30 chest compressions, and continue that cycle. If you’re not trained or aren’t comfortable giving breaths, chest compressions are still better than doing nothing at all.

Is CPR for drowning different? Find out now.

Before You Use an AED

Water and electricity don’t mix. If the person who has drowned is wet or still in the water, using an AED can be dangerous and ineffective.

Here’s what to do before applying the pads:

1. Get them out of the water.
   Even shallow or splashed water around them can pose a risk during defibrillation. Move the person to dry, solid ground, but only if you can do it safely. Don’t put yourself or others in danger.

2. Remove wet clothing.
   If you can, take off any wet shirts or swimsuits covering the chest. This helps the pads stick properly and reduces the risk of the shock not working.

3. Dry the chest thoroughly.
   Use a towel, shirt, or whatever’s available to get the chest as dry as possible. The AED pads need a dry surface to adhere and deliver a full, safe shock.

4. Follow the AED prompts.
   Once the chest is dry and pads are placed, the device will guide you through the rest. It will check for a shockable rhythm and tell you exactly what to do next.

So, can you use an AED on a drowning victim? 

Yes, but only after taking the right steps! Doing so will give the person the best possible chance of survival. 

Want to be prepared for summer fun? Rent an AED and get the first aid training you need to handle emergencies with confidence.