How should AED pads be positioned on a patient?

The correct positioning of AED pads is vital for the device to function properly and deliver an effective shock if necessary. When one pad is placed in the middle of the chest and the other on the back, the pads create a direct path for the electrical current to travel through the heart. This placement allows the AED to effectively analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed, maximizing the chances of restoring a normal rhythm.

This method is particularly useful in certain situations, such as when a patient has an implantable device in the anterior chest area or when the patient is lying in a position that makes front-to-front pad placement impractical.

In contrast, placing both pads on the front of the chest does not create an adequate electrical circuit for the shock to travel through the heart in the most effective manner. Similarly, positioning pads under the left arm and on the right shoulder or one on the abdomen and the other on the chest does not follow the recommended guidelines for pad placement, which could hinder the AED's ability to function properly. Proper placement ensures the best outcome in emergency situations, and this specific positioning is a recognized standard in CPR and first aid training.