AED pad placement in wet environment — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateResuscitationAED pad placement in wet environmentDipIMC

A 42-year-old collapses beside a swimming pool. He is pulseless and wet; an AED is available and lifeguards have started compressions. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Move him clear of standing water, dry the chest and apply AED pads

Move him clear of standing water, dry the chest and apply AED pads is the best answer because defibrillation can proceed safely after removing immediate water hazard and drying the chest for pad adhesion. Defer treatment until a senior hospital doctor reviews the patient is less appropriate because pre-hospital clinicians must treat immediate threats within scope; Use oral analgesia as the main treatment is less appropriate because oral therapy is inadequate or unreliable in major trauma. Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure and Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; JRCALC Guidelines