Where should AED pads be placed on an adult chest?

Where should AED pads be placed on an adult chest?

• A. On the upper left and lower right sides
• B. On the middle and lower left side and middle and lower right side of the chest
• C. On the back between shoulder blades
• D. One pad on the forehead and one on the chest

Answer: (B)

Pads must be placed on opposite sides of the chest so the defibrillation energy travels through the heart. The standard anterior-lateral setup positions one pad on the upper right chest near the collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest in the mid-to-lateral area. The described placement—on the middle-to-lower parts of both sides of the chest—follows this principle and allows the shock to cross the heart effectively. Placing pads on the back or on the forehead and chest would not direct energy through the heart properly.

Pads must be placed on opposite sides of the chest so the defibrillation energy travels through the heart. The standard anterior-lateral setup positions one pad on the upper right chest near the collarbone and the other on the left side of the chest in the mid-to-lateral area. The described placement—on the middle-to-lower parts of both sides of the chest—follows this principle and allows the shock to cross the heart effectively. Placing pads on the back or on the forehead and chest would not direct energy through the heart properly.