Placing AED pads correctly is key for giving a good shock during sudden cardiac arrest. It helps reduce the risk of harm to the patient. Adults and children have different general positions, but some situations need careful adjustments. Placing pads in the correct position is crucial. It ensures the defibrillator functions properly and increases survival chances.
Adult Pad Placement
Most defibrillators give clear voice instructions and visuals. They guide you on where to place the AED pads. Usually, one pad goes on the upper right chest. Someone placed the other pad below the left armpit. This alignment lets the electrical shock move straight through the heart. This boosts the response’s effectiveness.
AED pad placement on an infant.
In infants under one year, breathing issues can lead to cardiac arrest, not heart problems. Don’t confuse choking with cardiac arrest. Watch closely. If the baby isn’t choking and an AED is on hand, begin CPR, call emergency services, and use the AED as directed.
For a baby, use an AED by placing one pad on the chest center and the other on the upper back. If you have them, choose child mode or pediatric pads. If only adult pads are on hand, use the same placement, making sure the pads don’t overlap. It’s better to use adult pads than to completely delay treatment.
Child Pad Placement
Use pediatric AED pads for kids aged one to eight or under 55 pounds, if you have them. Place one pad in the center of the chest and the other on the upper back, ensuring they do not touch.
CPR techniques for infants and children mainly differ in how rescuers perform compressions. For infants, use two fingers or both thumbs, while for children, use one or two hands based on their size. In both cases, push down on the chest to about one-third of its depth. Let it rise fully before pushing down again. Only trained individuals should give rescue breaths in CPR.
Defibrillator Pad Placement on a Pregnant Woman
In the event of cardiac arrest during pregnancy, immediate CPR and AED use are critical. Experts say not to delay defibrillation because of pregnancy concerns. Quick action can save lives for both mother and baby. Without quick action, both the mother and fetus have a much lower chance of survival.
For a pregnant woman, place one AED pad above the right breast. Put the other pad on the left side of the rib cage, right on the skin. Perform CPR as you would for any adult. If she wakes up, place her on her left side. This will help blood flow to her heart and the fetus.
When calling 9-1-1 for a pregnant patient, be sure to inform the operator of her condition. In late-term pregnancies, if the mother dies, responders can still perform a C-section. They can save the baby.
AED Pad Placement for Cardiac Arrest Victims with a Pacemaker
Pacemakers support a steady heart rhythm but cannot correct fibrillation. Using an AED is safe and necessary for someone with a pacemaker during cardiac arrest. It helps restore a normal heartbeat.
Start by finding the pacemaker. It’s usually located on the upper left chest. If it’s there, place the AED pads in the usual positions—upper right chest and lower left rib cage. If the device is in the upper right, move the pad at least an inch away from the pacemaker. Place the second pad on the lower left side.
Anterior-Lateral vs. Anterior-Posterior Pad Placement
AED pads usually go in one of two standard spots based on the situation:
- Anterior-posterior AED pad placement: Place one pad on the front and the other on the back.
- Anterior-lateral or “anterolateral” placement: One pad goes on the upper right chest, while someone places the other a few inches below the left armpit on the rib cage.
Adults usually use the anterior-lateral pad placement. In contrast, children often prefer the anterior-posterior method. Yet, healthcare providers can also treat adults with the anterior-posterior approach. Place one pad below the left nipple. Put the other pad on the back, beneath the left shoulder blade.
Special Situations
Before using an AED, check for things like chest hair, wet skin, or medicated patches. You may need to make quick adjustments. For more on these situations, check out AED special considerations.
Hairy Chest
Thick chest hair can keep AED pads from sticking well. This makes the shock less effective. If needed, shave the areas where the pads will go on time. Razors are a common component of standard AED kits.
Wet Patient
Since water and electricity mix poorly, keep the patient on a dry surface. Then, take off any wet clothing and dry the chest well before putting on the AED pads.
Medicated Patch
Avoid placing AED pads over a medicated patch, as they can interfere with the shock. Remove the patch using gloves and clean the area quickly before applying the pads.
If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
AED pads are usually placed in two ways: front and side or front and back. We need a few precautions. Each pad has clear pictures that show where to place it. So, it’s usually easy to follow the instructions.
When using an AED, ensure that you place the pads on dry, bare skin and not over a pacemaker or medicated patch. Use AEDs only during cardiac arrest. This means the person is unconscious and has an irregular breathing pattern. Rapid defibrillation, CPR, and emergency medical help significantly increase survival chances.
FAQs
What is the anteroposterior placement of AED pads?
Place one AED pad in the center of the chest. Then, put the other pad on the back, below the shoulder blade. This method is often used for children, but it can also work for adults if standard pad positioning isn’t ideal.
When should I use anteroposterior AED pad placement instead of the standard method?
Anteroposterior AED pad placement is often used for kids. It’s also helpful when the usual anterior-lateral position doesn’t work. This can happen if the chest is too small or if a pacemaker is in the way. For adults, this is a new way to deliver a strong shock when in the right position.
How do I know where to place AED pads on an adult?
Place one AED pad on the upper right chest. The other pad goes on the lower left side of the rib cage. For the anteroposterior method, place one pad below the left nipple. Put the other pad on the back, below the left shoulder blade.
Is AED pad placement anteroposterior safe for adults?
Yes, placing AED pads in an anteroposterior position is safe for adults. Make sure the pads are positioned correctly and do not overlap. This technique is effective in clinics or emergencies when front-side placement isn’t possible.
Why is proper AED pad placement important in cardiac arrest?
Place AED pads correctly to help the shock reach the heart muscle. It boosts the odds of restoring a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. This is especially true when paired with CPR and a quick emergency response.
Conclusion
In a cardiac emergency, knowing where to place AED pads can save a life. Using the standard anterior-lateral method or the anteroposterior AED pad placement is fine. Ensure that you position the pads in the correct manner. This helps the shock travel through the heart with most efficiency. Know where to place adult AED pads. Be ready for special situations like pacemakers, wet skin, or kids. This way, you can act fast and with confidence when time is critical.