Boating is a fun and exciting activity that people of all ages can enjoy. However, it also comes with its own set of risks, such as sudden cardiac emergencies that can happen at any time. When you are out on the water, whether in the ocean, lake, or river, medical assistance may be far away. That is why it is crucial to have an AED or automated external defibrillator on board your boat. AEDs are designed to provide a powerful electric shock to individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and having one on your boat can increase an individual's chance of survival in a life-threatening emergency. While AEDs can be life-saving tools, they also come with limitations when it comes to water. Explore the benefits of having an AED on your boat and what precautions to take when using AEDs in water-related emergencies.
AED for Boats
If you are out on your boat, no matter how far from land, it can significantly increase the time it takes for medical assistance to arrive. Being so far away from land and medical assistance, it is crucial to always have an AED or automated external defibrillator on deck. Whether you are in the ocean, lake, or river, it is critical to have an AED on board at all times. When you are out in the water, the only medical team you have is yourself, others on the boat, and any medical supplies on board. This means if a sudden cardiac emergency does occur, you are going to the first responders on the scene until you can sail to shore and help arrives. During a sudden cardiac emergency, every second counts, so having an AED on board can help increase an individual's chance of survival.
Marine AED
Having a marine AED gives you access to vital medical treatments as soon as possible. If emergency medical service has to drive to the shore, it takes time, or if a helicopter is sent to your location on the water, it can still take more than 20 minutes for help to arrive. Having an AED on the boat keeps you prepared for anything that may happen. Vital minutes or even hours can be saved, and individuals can receive life-saving help sooner rather than later.
Benefits of Having an AED on Your Boat
- Peace of Mind - Having an AED on your boat gives both you and your passengers peace of mind. If anything were to happen, you have a life-saving tool right at your fingertips during life-threatening emergencies.
- You Don't Have to Wait for Medical Responders - Whether you are on the docks or out in the water, it can take quite some time for emergency medical teams to arrive at your location. When every second counts, you can act quickly and retrieve an AED and begin treatment as soon as possible.
- Increased Chance of Survival - For every minute that goes by, the survival odds can decrease by 10 percent during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. With easy access to an AED, bystanders can act promptly, giving the individual the best possible chance of survival.
When you are out in the water on a boat, every minute really does count. With quick access to an AED on board, you can help increase the chances of survival while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. With an AED on board, you can sail the open water with peace of mind knowing that even if the worst were to happen, you would have a powerful life-saving tool right on deck.
AEDs and Water
An AEDs main purpose is to provide a powerful electric shock to those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. But when it comes to water, electricity is not a good mix. Sudden cardiac emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, regardless of if there is water like pools, lakes, and ponds. AEDs are and can still be life-saving tools even when water is involved as long as some general precautions are taken.
Can You Use AED on Someone Submerged in Water?
You can not use an AED on someone submerged in water. Water conducts electricity, so using an AED on someone still in the water can be dangerous. Additionally, the electrode pads used by AEDs need to be attached to dry skin. When a person's chest is wet, the electrode pads will not stick, and the moisture can interfere with the device's ability to analyze the person's heart rhythm and deliver an effective shock.
If someone is submerged in water and experiencing a sudden cardiac emergency, you can not use an AED right away. The individual must be outside of the water and have a dry chest in order for the electrode pads to stick properly.
- First, check the scene to ensure it is safe to approach the individual
- Remove the person from the water and place them on a flat dry surface
- Remove any swimsuits or clothing
- Dry the individual's chest
- Once dry, place the electrode pads on the individual's chest
- Follow instructions given by the AED
Whether an individual is swimming at the pool or falls off a pier, you can not use an AED on an individual submerged in water.
Can You Use an AED on Someone Who is Wet?
If someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and also happens to be wet, extra steps will need to be taken before using an AED. The electrode pads of an AED cannot be applied to wet skin. The individual's chest must be dry, and any wet clothing should be removed.
Having an AED on your boat can make a significant difference in saving someone's life during a sudden cardiac emergency. When you are out on the water, there is no immediate access to medical assistance, which makes having an AED on deck even more critical. With quick access to an AED, you can act promptly, giving the individual the best possible chance of survival. However, it is important to note that using an AED in water requires extra precautions. AEDs can still be life-saving tools even when water is involved, but they cannot be used on someone submerged in water. Individuals must be removed from the water, placed on a flat dry surface, and have their chest dried before the electrode pads can be applied. In any sudden cardiac emergency, every second counts, and having an AED on hand can help increase the individual's chance of survival. With an AED on board, you can sail with peace of mind, knowing that you have a powerful life-saving tool at your disposal. It is always better to be prepared for any emergency situation, and having an AED on your boat is one way to ensure that you are ready for anything that may happen while on the water.