MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the first action you should take when operating an A.E.D?

1. Ask permission from the victim to use the A.E.D

2. Open the A.E.D container and begin following instructions

3. Turn on the A.E.D

4. Check the victim's responsiveness before using the A.E.D

The correct answer is: Turn on the A.E.D

When operating an Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D.), the first action you should take is to turn on the device. This step is crucial because the A.E.D. provides specific verbal or visual prompts that guide you through the process of applying it correctly. By turning it on first, you ensure that it is ready to analyze the victim's heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary, facilitating a timely response in a critical situation. Following this step, other important actions involve checking the victim's responsiveness and if necessary, applying pads to the victim's chest as per the instructions provided by the device. While assessing the situation and the victim's responsiveness is important, it can be secondary to activating the A.E.D., as the device itself will assist you through its prompts. The rationale behind the other options is sound in the context of general first aid or emergency response procedures, but they do not establish the correct procedure sequence when using an A.E.D.