How should AED pads be positioned on an adult victim?

The correct method for positioning AED pads on an adult victim is to place one pad on the right upper chest and the other pad on the left side of the ribcage, which allows for optimal electrical current flow through the heart. This placement ensures that the defibrillator can effectively analyze the heart rhythm and provide a shock if necessary.

When pads are positioned correctly, the electrical impulses can better penetrate the thoracic cavity, increasing the likelihood of restoring a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. This configuration also helps to minimize the risk of injury to the patient and ensures adherence to modern CPR guidelines.

While placing one pad on the chest and one pad on the abdomen may seem practical, it would not create the necessary pathway for current flow across the heart needed for effective defibrillation. Similarly, placing both pads on the chest or both on the back would also fail to allow for the appropriate electrical current to engage the heart, making those alternatives ineffective for restoring a normal rhythm.