WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE ELECTRODE PADS FROM AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS ON THE BODY

AED stands for “automated external defibrillator. Although the AED is fully automated and can provide instructions for first aiders on how to perform CPR, there are no specific instructions on where on the victim’s body to place the electrode pads, which might depend on many factors.

1. For adults

Normally, in an adult (regardless of sex), the electrode pads will be placed as follows: one pad on the right side of the sternum, just below the collarbone, the other on the left flank.

According to recommendations from the British Safety Council, AEDs must not be used for children under 1 year old. Those who are between 1 and 8 years or weighing less than 25 kilograms should use electrode pads specifically designed for children. The position of the pads is slightly different from those for an adult: one pad will be attached to the center of the ribcage and the other will be attached to the middle of the child's shoulder blades so that the two electrode pads are vertically aligned.

2. For children

Skin-transmitted medicine

The AED electrode pads should not be placed on a transdermal medication pads because they block the delivery of the electric shock to the heart, which might cause minor burns to the skin, also. For this reason, it is important to remove all pads other than electrode ones with gloved hands, and then wipe the area again before attaching the electrode pads.

Obstructions or jewelries

If there are some obstructions on the area intended for the electrode pads, they must be removed before the pads are attached.

Injuries

If the injury does not block the area intended for the pads, there should be no problems. Otherwise, there are some other potential positions. It is advised to consult with your AED manufacturer for this.

Pregnancy

There has not been any study showing that the use of an AED interferes with the fetus and the woman. In this case, the position for pads in pregnant women has no difference.