If there is a risk of the AED pads touching each other, what do you, as a rescuer, need to do?

When using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), the placement of the pads is crucial for effective defibrillation. If there is a risk of the AED pads touching each other, placing one pad on the middle of the chest and the other on the back ensures that the electrical current delivered by the AED passes through the heart effectively. This position maximizes the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm because it creates a pathway for the energy to travel through the cardiac tissue.

Using both pads on the chest may lead to them making contact with each other, which could compromise their efficacy and potentially cause a malfunction of the AED. Similarly, using only one pad limits the effectiveness of the shock, as the current is not able to flow through the heart. Managing the victim’s breathing first is also not the priority when dealing with a cardiac emergency where an AED is necessary. In such scenarios, following proper pad placement technique is essential for survival outcomes.