What is the correct action in step 3 of using an AED?

In step 3 of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the correct action is to attach the pads to the person's chest. This is a crucial step because the AED relies on the pads to detect the heart's rhythm and determine whether a shock is necessary. The pads are designed to deliver an electric shock to the heart if it is in a rhythm that can be corrected by defibrillation, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Proper placement of the pads is central to the effectiveness of the AED. Typically, one pad is placed on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone, and the other is placed on the lower left side of the chest. This positioning allows the device to analyze the heart's electrical activity accurately and deliver the shock in the correct manner.

This action takes precedence over other steps because immediate intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency. The process of connecting the AED to a power source typically occurs in an earlier step and may not be necessary if the AED is already powered on. Checking for a pulse and calling for additional help are also important, but they usually occur at different stages of the emergency response process and do not replace the act of