…remove only enough hair to allow good pad contact.
If necessary, quickly shave the area where the pad needs to be placed.
Some AED kits include a disposable razor for this purpose.
For an adult, the usual anterior-lateral position places one pad on the right side of the upper chest, slightly below the collarbone, and the other on the left side of the chest below the armpit.
Most importantly, follow the diagrams on the AED pads and the machine’s instructions. Don’t spend precious time making the chest perfectly hair-free—the goal is good pad contact and rapid defibrillation.
Tomorrow: Adult pads on a child? We look at what to do when paediatric AED equipment isn’t available.
For great health information, check out Health Navigator New Zealand, where you will find expert opinion online.
Click here to learn more and find out how you can learn first aid for FREE
Click the images below to access our learning resources.
Click here to find out how you can learn first aid for FREE
To learn more from the experts about previously covered conditions, click their logo below.
Acknowledgement
We fact-check data and information against recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. Protocols vary, and we note differences where necessary.