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A Southwest Airlines flight attendant allegedly initially refused to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a passenger due to his chest hair.
KOAT reported that Jack Jordan, 62, suffered a heart attack on the plane.
Electrode pads must come in direct contact with the skin. If the chest hair is so excessive as to prevent good adhesion of the electrode pad, the hair must be removed quickly.
"Most AED's have a razor included. The ones that don't have two pair of pads. If the first set doesn't stick, you rip it off and take the hair with it, and then use the second set."
The story is sort of vague. I mean, if the person has a hairy chest, I'm under the impression you are supposed to shave it before using the AED. So, did everyone stand around talking about it for an inappropriate length of time, or did they just take a moment to quickly shave off his chest where the pads would need to go?
I guess my point it, I would not be so quick to throw the attendant under the bus.
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There are always razors included in the AED kit. We are trained to use it if necessary. I cant imagine why she didnt do that.
That said, using the AED does NOT insure a good outcome. Yes, it can help in certain medical situations...for sure. But, it is not a cure-all and people can still die even if it is used. Still, she absolutely should have tried.
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