What should you do if you are alone and need to use an AED on an adult?

Using an AED as soon as possible is crucial when dealing with a cardiac arrest. When you are alone and encounter an adult in need of an AED, the most effective approach is to call for help and then use the AED immediately. This is because the chances of survival significantly increase with early defibrillation.

The rationale for this approach is that time is of the essence in a cardiac emergency. While calling for help is necessary, it should not delay the application of the AED. Immediate use of the AED can restore a normal heart rhythm, which is vital in preserving brain function and increasing the likelihood of survival.

Waiting for help or performing CPR for a set duration before utilizing the AED could waste valuable time that might make a significant difference in the patient’s chance of survival. It is also important to note that using an AED is appropriate regardless of the person's breathing status, as even in cases of non-breathing individuals, they may still benefit from defibrillation if they are in cardiac arrest. Thus, using the AED immediately after calling for help is the correct action to take in this scenario.