Table of Content
- Introduction
- The Role of AED
- Understanding AED Pad Placement
- Common AED FAQs
- Training in AED Pad Placement
- Stay Prepared to Save A Life
Nearly 90% of cardiac arrest incidents happen in out-of-the-hospital settings, especially in public places. In such critical circumstances, Knowing how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) can make a significant difference.
One critical aspect of using the device effectively is ensuring the proper defibrillator pad placement. The importance of proper pad placement cannot be overstated, as it helps improve the efficiency of basic treatment.
The thought of using an AED during an emergency can be overwhelming, but learning it will empower you with the skills to save a life. Read on to find the common AED FAQs to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to handle cardiac emergencies. Let’s get started!
The Role of AED
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a life-saving medical device that is used to treat life-threatening conditions like cardiac arrest, primarily ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia. The primary purpose of the device is to deliver a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heart, that essentially reset the heart’s electrical activity and allows the natural pacemaker cells of your body to regain control and create a normal rhythm.
In many emergency cases, administering timely CPR/ defibrillation has increased the chances of survival rate. AEDs can be found in various public places, which makes it easily accessible for training bystanders to provide life-saving defibrillators to victims of cardiac arrest.
Understanding AED Pad Placement
To administer the electric shocks to establish regular heart rhythms at the time of sudden cardiac arrest requires the proper AED pad position. These pads must be placed accurately on the victim’s body to ensure the full potential of the treatment.
It allows the most direct and unobstructed path of transthoracic current (TTC). Incorrect placement might impede the administered shock to the heart, leading to Transthoracic impedance (TTI).
Read More: Will an AED detect a pulse?
Common AED FAQs
Besides grasping the role of AED pads, acquainting yourself with the proper placement of the pads and exploring specific considerations are highly significant. Below we have enlisted a few frequently asked questions that will further expand your knowledge and skills in using AEDs.
Why is it important to be sure of proper AED pad placement?
A successful defibrillation process requires electricity to flow from one electrode to the other through the chest. If the electrode pads do not adhere to the position firmly, or there is sweat or any other conductive material between them, the electricity is more likely to flow across the chest region rather than into it. This will eventually result in ineffective defibrillation and an increased chance of accidental fire.
What is the proper pad placement?
During the AED pad placement, adults have to be positioned properly to ensure the shock is delivered effectively, ensuring successful resuscitation. The most common technique used is the Anterior AED pad placement.
It involves placing an electrode pad on the chest and another pad on the back. Another technique is known as anterolateral parliament, where a SED pad is placed on opposite sides of the chest.
It means one pad will be placed above the nipple of the victim’s right-hand side of the chest, just below the clavicle (Collar bone). At the same time, the other pad will be placed below the victim’s left nipple and more to the side of the chest.
What is the Anterior Posterior Pad Placement?
Anterior-posterior pad placement refers to the AED pad position on a defibrillator when it is used to deliver a shock to a cardiac arrest victim. The anterior pad is placed on the victim’s chest in the area of their sternum, while the posterior pad is placed on their back in the area of their spine.
How to Ensure proper AED pad placement on children?
The placement of the AED pads on the child’s body is similar to the placement of the adult’s body. The anterior pad should be placed on the child’s chest, in the area of their sternum, while the posterior pad should be placed on their back, in the area of their spine.
However, keep in mind that the specific placement of the pads will vary depending on the victim’s size and age and the type of AED being used for defibrillation. For instance, if the victim is over 55 lbs, you can use the normal adult pads in the same way.
Can you Place AED pads on wet victims?
It is not recommended to place an AED on a victim who is wet or just got out of a pool. Damp skin will create a barrier between the defirbaitlor and the victim, preventing the pads from adequately adhering to the skin. It is best to dry the victim’s chest and throat quickly before attaching the AED pads to ensure proper shock delivery.
Should I remove any jewelry or clothing before attaching the pads to the victim’s skin?
Yes, the AED pads must be applied directly to the victim’s skin, which means any type of clothing must be removed from the chest region to ensure the device operates properly. Moreover, remember to remove any jewelry or metallic objects before starting the defibration process.
It is important to ensure that the pads do not come in contact with the jewelry, as this might cause potential harm to the victim. Necklaces and other accessories around the chest must also be considered.
Can you Reverse the AED pads?
No, AED pads should not be reversed or swapped between the left and right sides of the victim’s chest. Always ensure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the advice to achieve the proper AED pad placement.
Do you need to remove the Electrode Pads Before Performing the CPR?
The electrode pads can remain in place throughout the CPR resuscitation process and until the victim is transferred to advanced care providers such as paramedics. If the electrode pads are in their correct location on their chest, they will not interfere with the proper hand placement or impede the chest compression rate.
Where do you place the pads for defibrillation?
Two pads should be placed on the victim’s chest, one on the right side just below the collarbone and the other on the left side just below the armpit. The AED device will show you which pad is the first and second to ensure proper placement.
What is the difference between Adult and Pediatric Pads?
Pediatric AED pads are designed for children under eight years old or those who weigh less than 55 pounds. They feature reduced energy levels to ensure the children’s safety during defibrillation. On the other hand, adult AED pads are designed to deliver high-energy shocks.
What are the regulations for AED Pads and placement?
The creation and quality of AED pads are subjected to specific regulations to ensure their reliability, safety, and emergencies in emergencies. In the US, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)+ regulates medical equipment and devices, kindling the AEDs and related accessories like electrode pads. When you are purchasing the AED device, it is important to ensure that the manufacturer or distributor carries FDA-approved pads.
Can AED pads Overlap in their position?
No, the AED pad should not overlap when placed on the victim’s chest. Overlapping electrode pads will interfere with the delivery of the electrical shock and might hinder the effectiveness of the treatment. Moreover, it is essential to follow the instructions on the back of the pads to ensure proper placement without causing any overlap.
How to get the proper placement of AED pads with a Pacemaker?
Even though it is completely safe to use AED pads on patients with pacemakers, there are certain guidelines to keep in mind. Patients with pacemakers are individuals who have been diagnosed or treated with pre-existing heart conditions and thus are at higher risk for Sudden cardiac arrest.
Nonetheless, AEDs can be used on victims with pacemakers. However, It is recommended that the AED pad placement with a pacemaker should not be directly positioned over the device.
Where to Place AED pads if the Victim has a medication patch on the same spot?
Never choose the placement of AED pads directly on the top of any medication patches, such as nitroglycerin. Any patches that are present during the use of AED should always be removed and the skin should be wiped dry before placing electrode pads on the victim’s chest for further medical intervention.
Training with AED Pads
Enrolling in industry-led AED CPR training will help you use the device and practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. The trainer will help you learn the proper AED pad placements and deliver adequate, stimulated shocks to the victims.
The certification can build your confidence and help you act quickly during a cardiac emergency. To maintain your credentials, you can sign up for recertification classes, which are available in person or through blended learning with hands-on skills sessions.
Read More: When to Replace an Old AED?
Stay Prepared to Save A Life
Proper AED pad placement on the sudden cardiac arrest victim is one of the most crucial steps for you to learn as a rescuer when you are trying to save a life. Proper pad positioning ensures that the electrical current from the defibrillator passes through the heart most effectively.
From understanding the role of AED pads to learning the placement techniques for adults and children, we have provided a brief view of AED FAQs to equip yourself with the essential information.
Remember, every second counts in an emergency. Hence, ensure that you enroll in CPR/ AED training so that you can be better prepared to provide life-saving assistance when needed.