What is required to ensure effective AED pad adhesion?

For effective AED pad adhesion, it is essential to remove hair from the chest. When AED pads are applied, they need to create a good seal against the skin to ensure that electrical shocks can be efficiently delivered. If there is hair between the pads and the skin, it can create a barrier that prevents contact, reducing the effectiveness of the AED. This is particularly important because inadequate adhesion can lead to ineffective defibrillation, which can be critical in an emergency situation.

Moisture on the chest, while it might seem like it could help, can actually cause the pads to not adhere properly and can interfere with the electrical connection. Placing AED pads over clothing also prevents them from making direct contact with the skin, which is necessary for effective treatment. Warming the pads may be beneficial in some contexts, but it is not a standard requirement for adhesion. Therefore, ensuring the chest is clear of hair is the most critical factor in achieving effective AED pad adhesion.