AED Quiz: How Well Can You Use a Defibrillator?
Quick defibrillator test to check your AED steps and safety. Instant results.
This AED quiz helps you practice the right steps for safe defibrillator use, from pad placement to safety checks and when to deliver a shock. Use it to spot study gaps, then reinforce skills with a cpr practice test and explore rhythm basics with our cardiac rhythm quiz.
Study Outcomes
- Analyze AED Components -
Identify and explain the key parts of an AED, including electrodes, control panel, and power source, as covered in this automated external defibrillator quiz.
- Apply Safety Protocols -
Demonstrate awareness of defibrillator safety procedures by outlining precautions to protect the patient, bystanders, and yourself during device operation.
- Demonstrate Proper Pad Placement -
Place AED pads accurately on a patient's chest, ensuring effective delivery of electrical therapy as practiced in our aed training quiz scenarios.
- Interpret AED Prompts -
Understand and respond to audiovisual and text prompts from the AED, making informed decisions in time-sensitive, emergency-response situations.
- Integrate CPR with AED Use -
Coordinate chest compressions and rescue breaths efficiently while preparing and administering defibrillation, a key skill assessed in the cpr and aed quiz section.
- Evaluate Device Maintenance Best Practices -
Assess routine checks, battery status, pad expiration, and software updates to ensure AED readiness and longevity.
Cheat Sheet
- Scene Safety & Initial Assessment -
Always ensure the environment is safe before turning on the AED, scanning for hazards like water or electrical wires. Check for responsiveness and shout for help, then call emergency services or direct someone to do so - this follows American Heart Association (AHA) scene assessment protocols. Remember the "SAFE" mnemonic: Scene, Assess, First aid, EMS.
- Proper Pad Placement & Skin Preparation -
Place pads on a bare, dry chest: one on the right upper chest below the collarbone and the other on the left mid-axillary line. Remove excessive chest hair with the included razor and wipe off moisture to ensure low impedance, as per Red Cross training guides. Clean pad contacts by pressing firmly until the adhesive seals to the skin, optimizing conductivity.
- Device Operation & Rhythm Analysis -
Power on the AED and follow voice prompts - do not touch the patient during analysis. The device uses built-in ECG algorithms (e.g., AHA-approved) to detect shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. Always clear the patient and loudly announce "Everyone clear!" before shocking.
- CPR Integration & Shock Timing -
Minimize hands-off intervals by performing 30 chest compressions at 100 - 120/min followed by two breaths, as recommended by the AHA. Resume CPR immediately after shock delivery or if no shock is advised, maintaining high-quality compressions. A useful tip is the "2-breath, 30-compressions" cycle to keep timing consistent under stress.
- Maintenance & Battery Checks -
Perform monthly self-tests to verify battery life and pad integrity, replacing components before expiration dates. Keep a maintenance log - many AEDs record each self-test and usage event for audit compliance with OSHA and regulatory bodies. Check that spare batteries and pads are stored with the device at all times.