When placing AED pads, where should they be positioned on a choking victim?

The correct positioning of AED pads is critical for effective defibrillation, especially in a scenario involving a choking victim who may be unresponsive and in need of immediate medical intervention. Placing one pad on the upper right side and the other on the lower left side of the chest provides a pathway for the electrical current to flow through the heart.

This placement leverages the anatomical positioning of the heart, which is situated slightly to the left of center in the chest. By placing pads in this diagonal manner—one in the right upper area and the other in the left lower area—the AED can effectively measure the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. This configuration ensures that the electrical impulse can traverse the heart, which is essential for resetting an abnormal heart rhythm and potentially restoring a normal heartbeat.

Other positions, such as both pads on one side of the chest or on the stomach and back, would not create the appropriate path for electrical flow, reducing the AED's effectiveness. Similarly, placing pads on the arms and legs would not allow for proper interaction with the heart, further emphasizing the importance of correct pad placement for successful defibrillation.