Where Should You Apply the AED Pads?

June 15, 2021

When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, it is crucial an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used quickly to help save their life. Statistically, if someone is shocked within one minute of suffering sudden cardiac arrest, they have a 90% chance of survival. Each minute after decreases that person’s chances of survival 10%. This is why it is crucial AEDs are EVERYWHERE!

Who Can Use an AED?

It is important to remember that anyone can use an AED. You do not need professional medical training. Just turn the machine on and it will give you step-by-step instructions on how to use the AED. When the defibrillator is first turned on, it is going to tell you to remove clothing from the patient’s bare chest.

AED Pad Placement

It is crucial that the AED pads are placed on bare skin. Be sure to remove all clothing and on a female patient, remove the bra. You may need to shave or wipe down the area where the pads are being placed.

Many people wonder where the AED pads actually go. They do have pictures on them to show you exactly where to place them, but we will also explain here where the pads should be placed. One pad is placed on the right side of the chest underneath the collar bone. The other pad is place on the left side of the rib cage, underneath the armpit. The reason the pads are placed this way is so the defibrillator electrical shock will be sent directly through the heart.

This may be different when placing pads on a child victim. When using an AED on a small child, place one pad on the center of the chest and the other pad in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. The reason we do this on small children is because we do not want the pads to be touching each other.

AED Pad Placement Considerations

 
If someone has an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker, do not place the AED pad directly over the metal. Place it to the side. If someone has an implanted device you will notice a scar and a bump.

If someone has a medicine patch, make sure you are wearing gloves, and remove the medicine patch. You can then wipe down the area where the medicine patch was located.

Remember, if you have to use an AED, it can be nerve-racking. Always remember to turn the machine on, take a deep breath, and listen to the step-by-step instructions the AED is giving you.

To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.