What is the recommended sequence when responding to a medical emergency on board, including AED usage?

• A. Notify captain, gather passengers, then call for medical help
• B. Assess the patient, request medical assistance, follow medical kit procedures, and deploy the AED if advised
• C. Deploy AED immediately without assessment
• D. Use medical kit first, then assess

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is to act in a deliberate, life-saving order: quickly determine the patient’s status, summon professional help, use the medical kit per protocol, and defibrillate if indicated. Start by assessing the patient to decide if they are responsive, not breathing normally, or pulseless—this guides whether CPR or other steps are needed. Next, request medical assistance so trained clinicians can guide you or arrive to provide support. Then follow the medical kit procedures so you use medications or devices correctly according to training and ship policy. Finally, deploy the AED if advised or if the device indicates a shockable rhythm, delivering a shock promptly and continuing care as directed. This sequence minimizes delays in recognition and response, ensures professional guidance is obtained early, and uses the AED at the appropriate moment. The other approaches tend to delay assessment, skip critical steps, or apply the AED without confirming the situation, which can reduce effectiveness or risk harm.