Optimum method for defibrillation Pad Placement

In the effect of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart is unable to pump the blood that is needed to the trunk's vital organs. The heart must be shocked using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to interrupt the irregular activity and let the heart to resume a normal cardiac rhythm.

Electrodes, otherwise known as pads, adhere to a victim's breast and connect to the defibrillator. The pad allows the AED to make up one's mind the heart's rhythm, and if necessary, conduct current to the middle.

Placing AED pads correctly is essential for ensuring that the defibrillator works properly and allows for the well-nigh directly and unobstructed path of transthoracic current (TTC). The correct placement varies between children and adults, though, and at that place are some unique situations where the general rules don't apply.

Effigy one: Typical Child and Adult AED pad case

Figure ii: Different placement options for AEDs on adults

Difference between Inductive-posterior vs Anterolateral

There are two basic positions for AED pad placement:

  • Inductive-posterior (or "front end-and-back") placement: Ane on the front and one on the back.
  • Anterolateral placement: I on the right side of the chest and one on the lower function of the left chest wall (or a few centimetres below the left armpit, over the ribcage)

The first position is ordinarily used on children, and the 2nd position is used on adults. Even so, an anterior-posterior placement can exist used on adults likewise with slightly different pad placement. Instead of placing the defibrillator pads on the eye of the chest and back, identify one pad but below the left nipple and the second pad on the left side of the back, directly below the scapula or wing bone.

Pad Placement on an Adult

Co-ordinate to experts, older adults are the grouping most probable to suffer from cardiac abort. Although almost AEDs have a child setting or are uniform with kid pads, these devices typically come equipped with adult pads equally the default accessory.

Generally, defibrillator kits will tell y'all where to place the pads on adults using both audio prompts and/or visual diagrams. Nonetheless, the general rule is to position one pad over the upper right side, otherwise known as inductive-lateral of the patient'southward chest, and the other on the lower left side of the patient's chest (as shown in figure two). This creates a pathway through the center musculus that allows the device to shock the heart into action. Alternatively, you may choose to place pads in an anterior-posterior position, or forepart-back (figure two).

Children suffering from sudden cardiac arrest are treated in the same way as adults just require less free energy or daze during defibrillation. The current to be delivered must be reduced, using specially designed paediatric pads.

The American Center Clan recommends that for children under 8 years sometime, ideally employ paediatric pads so that the pads do not overlap during defibrillation. To ensure safe paediatric defibrillation, the best location for pads is the inductive-posterior (front-back) configuration (encounter effigy 3). I electrode is placed on the front (anterior) chest wall and the other on the centre of the kid's back (posterior). They also state that inductive-lateral placement or anterior-posterior placement may exist reasonable to defibrillate paediatric victims.

Figure iii: Pad placement for children

Exceptional circumstances

Below are a few things to look out for and what to do when you lot see breast hair, a medicated patch, or wet skin.

If the patient's breast is quite hairy, the pads might not stick to their peel properly, jeopardising the electric daze. Earlier placing the pads on the patient, quickly apply a razor to shave the hair where the pads will be placed. Nigh AED kickoff responder kits include razors.

Electricity and water do non mix, and neither should water and an AED. If the patient is wet, put them on a dry out surface, remove their wet clothing, and go the chest dry before applying the pads.

AED pads should not be placed on meridian of a medicated patch, because the patch could brand the electrical shock less constructive. Earlier applying the pads, advisedly remove the patch (wearing gloves) and speedily wipe the area with alcohol or a towelette.

While there are a few different things to go along in mind, AED pad placement volition follow just one of two patterns—front and side or front and back. In both cases, the nigh appropriate position for the AED pads volition exist illustrated on the pads themselves and all y'all need to do is follow the electrode pad placement instructions. You can then deploy the AED, knowing that the stupor you are administering could aid in the victims' chances of survival.

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