How should you treat a pregnant woman if an AED is needed?

Using the AED as you would for any other patient is appropriate because the primary goal in a cardiac emergency is to restore effective heart rhythm as quickly as possible, regardless of whether the patient is pregnant or not. The use of an AED is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, and the device is designed to deliver a shock to the heart when needed.

In the case of a pregnant woman, the normal protocols for AED use apply. The paddles or pads of the AED should be placed as indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, typically on the chest, following the correct placement guidelines. The safety of both the patient and the fetus is inherently prioritized by the action of providing defibrillation, enabling the mother to potentially recover, which in turn increases the chances of survival for the baby.

Delaying the use of an AED until after the baby's condition is guaranteed stable is not advisable, as immediate defibrillation is crucial in saving the woman's life, which directly influences the outcome for the fetus. There aren’t specific "special pads" for pregnant women; standard AED pads or paddles are effective. Consulting a doctor before using the AED could delay critical care, negatively impacting the patient's survival chances. Thus, swift action with the AED is essential.