Can you use an aed on a wet person

Yes, it is safe to defibrillate a victim who is lying on a metallic or wet surface. If the self-adhesive pads are applied correctly and provided there is no direct contact between the user and the victim when the shock is delivered, there is no direct pathway that electricity could take that would cause the user to experience shock.

If the victim is wet, their chest should be dried so that the self-adhesive AED pads will stick properly. As with any attempt at defibrillation, particular care should be taken to ensure that no one is touching the victim when a shock is delivered.

Most AEDs can be safely used in boating environmentsBy Frances Smith, EMT-P, DMT

Question: I noticed an automated external defibrillator (AED) among the first-aid equipment of a boat I was on. Is it safe to use an AED around water? How about on a metal boat deck?

Answer: Current research indicates that most AEDs, because they're self-grounded, are safe to use in and around wet environments with no risk to the victim, rescuer, or other passengers on the boat.

Early defibrillation and aggressive CPR are the two actions proven to increase the likelihood of survival of a victim of cardiac arrest. CPR circulates blood to vital organs, but it cannot restore a patient's heart to a healthy rhythm. The definitive survival treatment for someone experiencing cardiac arrest is defibrillation — a shock. To be most effective, defibrillation must occur as soon as possible after the onset of cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), each minute of delay before defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10 percent. Published studies have asserted that early defibrillation can save up to 74 percent of victims.

While AEDs have been used for many years in airports, shopping malls, gyms and senior citizens centers, boaters may be reluctant to bring them into wet environments or onto metal-hulled boats out of concern that bystanders may be endangered by potential electricity conduction. Current research, however, indicates that AEDs are safe to use around water and on metal surfaces.

The best information is available from the AED manufacturers themselves, who document minimal conduction of electricity to bystanders during defibrillation with AEDs. As long as the rescuer does not have actual contact with the victim's chest (i.e., touching the chest to administer CPR), he or she is not at risk for significant electrical shock. Also, the longer the distance between the defibrillation pads and the bystanders, the less electricity will be transmitted. Those in a boat or on a conductive surface (metal or water) may feel, at most, a tingle.

In a statement from the AHA and other resuscitation agencies: "Always check with the manufacturer, but most AEDs, because they are self-grounded, can be safely used in wet environments and on metal surfaces with no risk to the victim or rescuer."

THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE.
It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical or dental advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the DAN Boater website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor, dial 911, or contact emergency services nearest you.

If the person is in water, remove him or her from the water before
defibrillation.
A shock delivered in water could harm responders or bystanders.
Once you have removed the person from the water, be sure there
are no puddles of water around you, the person or the AED.
Remove wet clothing to place the pads properly, if necessary.
Dry the person's chest and attach the AED pads.

Continue Learning about First Aid For Medical Emergencies & Conditions

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

For a victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the quick use of an AED gives them the best chance of survival. But since AEDs provide an electrical current to restore the heart to a normal rhythm, you might wonder if AEDs can expose you to danger if used in a wet environment. Luckily, AEDs are safe to use if the victim is lying outside in the snow or rain. Ideally, you want to move the victim to a dry environment, but if you cannot move the victim, simply dry the chest as thoroughly as possible prior to applying the pads. When it comes to swimming activities, you should do the following:

If the person is in the water, remove them to a dry area and away from puddles of water
Remove any wet clothing and dry the victim’s chest
Have all bystanders move away from the wet surface and the victim
Attach AED pads and follow the AED voice prompts

Through voice prompts, every AED cautions responders to stand clear of the patient. As long as the rescuer follows this prompt and does not touch the victim during defibrillation, they will be safe from harm.

Watch a successful save at a beach here!

If you still have questions about using your AED in a wet environment, you can always leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375. If you still have questions, you can always leave us a comment or email us at