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Use an anterior/lateral pad placement, according to the manufacturer instructions: Place one pad on the upper right chest, below the right clavicle to the right of the sternum. Place the other pad on the left side of the chest along the midaxillary line a few inches below the armpit.
Ensure that the apical (lateral) pad is positioned correctly (mid-axillary line, level with the V6 ECG electrode position) i.e. below the armpit. In patients with an implantable device, place the pad > 8 cm away from the device, or use an alternative pad position.
This strategy of placing AEDs in locations where they are used by lay persons near the arrest is known as public access defibrillation (PAD). Training to use an AED is an extension
Attach the electrode pads to the person's (who has sustained cardiac arrest) bare chest according to the position shown on the AED or on the pads. If more than one rescuer is present, continue CPR whilst the pads are being attached. Follow the spoken (and/or visual) prompts from the AED.
Start CPR and send for an AED as soon as possible. If trained and able, combine chest compressions and rescue breaths, otherwise provide compression-only CPR. If an AED arrives, switch it on and follow the instructions. Minimise interruptions to CPR when attaching the AED pads to the victim.
If the AED determines a shock is needed, electricity is safely administered to the person through the electrode pads to restart their heart back into a normal rhythm. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about where to place AED pads on adults and children.
Electrodes for automated external defibrillators and manual defibrillators require specific placement for the best patient outcomes. This guide explains proper pad placement and other important considerations to keep in mind when defibrillating adult and pediatric SCA victims.
