Final answer:
Defibrillation pads should only be applied by a paramedic in case of a STEMI if the patient shows signs of cardiac arrest, specifically ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, where the AED would be needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Should a paramedic apply defibrillation pads once a STEM has been confirmed? The answer is C) Only if there are signs of cardiac arrest. While a STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) is a type of heart attack with specific EKG findings indicating a blocked coronary artery, defibrillation is not routinely used in the management of STEMI unless the patient develops life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. In those cases, defibrillation is critical and can be life-saving. Therefore, paramedics should be prepared to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if these conditions arise. AEDs automatically diagnose the heart's rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if necessary. In non-arrhythmic STEMI cases, the focus is on rapid transport to a hospital for reperfusion therapy.