What is essential to do before using an AED on a victim?

Before using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a victim, it is crucial to ensure that the person is not in contact with moisture. This is important because moisture can interfere with the electrical shocks delivered by the AED, potentially making the shock ineffective or leading to injury for both the victim and the rescuer. Keeping the area and the victim dry maximizes the effectiveness of the defibrillation and reduces the risk of accidental electric shock.

In addition to checking for moisture, it's important to prepare the area and the person appropriately. The other actions, like making sure that help is on the way by calling for emergency services or removing clothing for electrode placement, also contribute to the safety and effectiveness of using an AED, but ensuring the victim's dryness is a critical and immediate step to take before applying the device.