What must be checked to ensure safe AED use?

To ensure safe use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), assessing that the environment is safe and ensuring that no one is in contact with the patient is crucial. This step is important because the shock delivered by an AED can potentially affect anyone who is in physical contact with the patient at the moment of shock. If someone is touching the patient, they could also receive an unintended electric shock, which can lead to serious injury.

Furthermore, evaluating the surroundings for safety is essential. Items like water, metal objects, or excessive crowding can introduce additional hazards. Ensuring that the area is clear and safe allows for the AED to be used effectively without complications that could arise from environmental factors or the presence of bystanders.

In contrast, while confirming the AED is charged is important for device functionality, it does not address safety in the immediate environment. Ensuring the patient is not in a confined space may be relevant for administering CPR but does not pertain directly to the use of an AED. Finally, making sure the patient is awake and alert is not applicable in a cardiac arrest scenario, as such patients would not be responsive. Thus, the focus on environmental safety and contact with the patient is critical in AED usage.