Complete AED Pad Placement Guide: Where to Place AED Electrode Pads On Adults, Children & Infants

Quick Answer: Standard AED Pad Placement

For Adults (8 years and older): Use anterolateral placement – one pad on the upper right chest (below the right collarbone), one pad on the lower left side (below the left nipple, mid-axillary line).

For Children Under 8 Years: Use anteroposterior placement – one pad on the chest center, one pad on the back between the shoulder blades.

For Infants: Use pediatric pads in anteroposterior placement, or adult pads if pediatric unavailable.

Understanding AED Pad Placement Options

Anterolateral AED Pad Placement (Standard Adult Method)

When to use: Adults and children 8 years and older (over 55 lbs)

Step-by-step placement:

1. Right pad position: Upper right chest, below the right clavicle (collarbone) and to the right of the sternum
2. Left pad position: Lower left chest, below the left nipple along the mid-axillary line (side of chest)
3. Avoid: Placing pads over bones, nipples, or directly over the sternum

Why this works: Creates optimal electrical pathway through the heart muscle, allowing defibrillation current to depolarize the maximum amount of cardiac tissue.

What is Anteroposterior AED Pad Placement?

Anteroposterior AED Pad Placement is placing an electrode pad on the chest and the other on the back. This is usually how AED pads are placed on infants.

Anterior Lateral Placement is when an AED pad is placed on opposite sides of the chest.

This means that one pad will be placed above the nipple on the victim’s right-hand side of the chest, just below the clavicle (collar bone). The other pad is placed below the victim’s left nipple. This pad is placed lower, below the left nipple, and more to the side of the chest.

Anterior Posterior Pad Placement

Anterior-posterior (AP) pad placement refers to the position of the pads on a defibrillator when they are being used to deliver a shock to a person experiencing cardiac arrest. The “anterior” pad is placed on the person’s chest, in the area of their sternum, while the “posterior” pad is placed on their back, in the area of their spine.

AED Pads for victims with Pacemakers

Victims with pacemakers are those with pre-existing heart conditions and thus are at higher risk for SCA. However, AEDs may be used on victims with pacemakers already fitted without the concern of an AED failing to operate properly.

AED Pads on Infants

Infant AED Pads are designed to give a shock that uses a lower amount of electricity than regular adult pads. For children 55 lbs. or less, pediatric pads are advised. If no pediatric pads or a pediatric key are available, adult pads can be used by placing one pad on the chest and one on the back of the victim.

AED Pad Placement on Children

It is important to follow the instructions provided by the AED and any additional guidelines provided by a healthcare provider or trained medical professional.

In general, the placement of the AED pads on a child’s body will be similar to the placement on an adult’s body. The “anterior” pad is typically placed on the child’s chest, in the area of their sternum, while the “posterior” pad is placed on their back, in the area of their spine.

However, it is important to note that the specific placement of the pads may vary depending on the size and age of the child, as well as the specific type of AED is used.

If the victim is over 55 lbs., normal adult pads can be used in the same manner.

Clothing

The Pads must be applied directly to the skin, meaning clothing must be removed from the area to ensure the device works properly.

Jewelry

Jewelry or any metallic object should be removed before starting the defibrillation process. It is vital to ensure the pads to not come into contact with jewelry as this may cause serious harm to the victim. Necklaces, nipple piercings, and other accessories around the chest area must be taken into consideration.

Where can I buy new or replacement AED pads?

You can purchase new or replacement AED pads online with our lowest price guarantee. Orders over $99 receive free shipping. Unsure which type of pad you need? Give our customer service team a call at 866-450-9906.

Struggling with compliance? Check out our AED Site Assessment Tools in the Resource Center to discover what you need.  

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