Is it safe to use an AED on a pregnant patient?

Using an AED on a pregnant patient is safe and can be life-saving in emergencies involving cardiac arrest. The rationale behind this is that the electrical shock delivered by an AED is designed to correct an irregular heart rhythm, and it does not pose additional risks to the fetus compared to its necessity for maternal survival.

The primary concern during cardiac arrest is the immediate need to restore a normal heartbeat. Therefore, the benefits of defibrillation, which include increasing the chances of survival for the pregnant individual, outweigh the potential risks. Current guidelines and studies support the use of AEDs on pregnant women in cardiac arrest situations, emphasizing their safety and effectiveness.

In situations where a pregnant individual is in need of resuscitation, the priority is to provide the best chance of survival, which includes utilizing available life-saving devices like an AED. Other options that suggest limitations on when or how an AED can be used may stem from outdated perceptions or misunderstandings about the device's function and safety.