During CPR in a marine setting, what equipment should be used if available?

• A. Lifebuoy.
• B. Radio beacon.
• C. Flares.
• D. AED if available.

Answer: (D)

When someone’s heart has stopped, the device that directly improves survival is an automated external defibrillator. If an AED is available on the vessel, use it as soon as you start CPR. Move the person to a dry, flat surface if possible, dry the chest and any areas where the pads will contact, and place the defibrillator pads according to the prompts. Let the AED analyze the rhythm and deliver a shock only if it indicates a shockable rhythm; after the shock, resume high-quality CPR immediately and continue follow-up analyses as directed by the device. The other items—lifebuoy for buoyancy, radio beacon for signaling location, and flares for rescue signaling—don’t aid the resuscitation process itself and don’t affect the heart rhythm.