Can you use a defibrillator on a wet surface?

A defibrillator, or AED (automated external defibrillator), is a life-saving device which delivers an electrical shock to the heart during a cardiac arrest.

There are many myths about using a defibrillator. Many people believe that you can’t use a defibrillator in any situation where the electrical shock might be transmitted.

It is perfectly safe to use a defibrillator on a wet – providing the pads have been applied correctly and the chest is dry there is minimal risk. If the chest is wet then there is a risk the electrical shock will travel through the water rather than through the patient’s chest. For this reason, every defibrillator should contain a towel for drying the patient’s chest.

Want to test your knowledge of using a defibrillator? Have a go at our defibrillator practice exam!