An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a life-saving device that can be used in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. However, there are certain people who an AED cannot be used on, and it’s important to know who those people are so that you can provide the best possible care in an emergency situation.
The main group of people who an AED cannot be used on are children under the age of 8. This is because their hearts are still developing and growing, and using an AED on them could do more harm than good. If a child goes into cardiac arrest, it’s important to call 911 immediately and start CPR; using an AED should only be done if instructed by a medical professional.
Other groups of people who should not have an AED used on them include pregnant women and people with implanted pacemakers or other electronic devices. Again, this is because the electrical current from the AED could cause complications or damage to these devices. If someone in either of these groups goes into cardiac arrest, call 911 and follow their instructions for how to proceed.
In general, anyone who has a known heart condition should not have an AED used on them unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional. This is because their heart may not be able to handle the electrical current from the device properly and it could cause further damage.
If someone you know goes into sudden cardiac arrest, it’s important to act quickly and use an AED if you have one available; however, make sure that you check for any contraindications first so that you don’t do more harm than good.