AEDs are designed to be simple, fast, and reliable, so anyone can step in and help during sudden cardiac arrest. One of the most important steps is placing the pads correctly. It’s easier than you might think, and with a little guidance, you’ll feel ready to act when it matters most.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through AED pad placement for adults, children, and infants. You’ll also learn how to handle special situations—like medical devices, moisture, or body hair—so you can respond with confidence and care, no matter the circumstances.
AED Pad Placement on Adults: Why It Matters
Where do AED pads go on an adult? It’s one of the most important things to know in an emergency.
When someone’s heart suddenly stops, the AED can only do its job if you place the pads in the right spots. That’s how the shock travels through the heart to help get it beating again. If the pads aren’t placed properly, the shock might not work properly.
Most AEDs will guide you through the steps with voice instructions and show you exactly where to place the pads using visual cues on the pads themselves. That said, it’s always good to be prepared ahead of time.
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the two main ways to place AED pads on adults, depending on the situation:
1. Front of the Chest (Standard Placement)
This is the most common and recommended placement:
- One pad goes on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone.
- The other pad goes on the lower left side of the chest, a few inches below the armpit.
This setup helps the shock travel through the heart in the most effective way.
2. Front and Back (Alternative Placement)
In some cases—like if there’s a medical patch, implanted device, or a lot of trauma on the chest—you can place the pads in an alternate way:
- One pad goes in the middle of the chest.
- The other goes on the back, just below the shoulder blade.
This method still works, but the standard front-of-chest placement should always be your first choice when possible.
How to Properly Place AED Pads on an Adult
Placing AED pads correctly on an adult is simple, but every step must be followed, just like the steps for using an AED. Here’s exactly what to do to ensure the shock is delivered safely and effectively:
1. Expose the Chest
Cut or tear away clothing to fully expose the chest. If the chest is wet, wipe it dry. Remove any obstacles, such as jewelry, bras, or medical patches, that could interfere with pad contact.
2. Place the Pads
Use the pad placement methods recommended above:
- Standard placement: Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone. Place the second pad on the lower left side, a few inches below the armpit.
- Alternative placement: Place one pad in the centre of the chest and the other on the back, just below the left shoulder blade.
Before placing the pads, quickly check the chest for any signs of implanted devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. These are often visible as a small lump under the skin, typically below the collarbone.
If you spot one, avoid placing the AED pad directly over it. Instead, adjust the pad slightly to the side while still maintaining the general placement area. This helps ensure the shock is delivered effectively.
3. Follow the Diagrams
Each pad has a picture showing exactly where it should go. Use those as your main guide, and double-check your placement before continuing.
4. Attach the Wires
If the pads aren’t already connected, plug the wires into the AED. Most devices will prompt you if something isn’t connected properly.
5. Let the AED Analyze the Rhythm
Once the pads are placed, the AED will automatically check the person’s heart rhythm.
Do not touch the person during this step!
Follow the voice prompts and prepare to deliver a shock if advised.
Can AED Pads Be Reused?
While AEDs can be reused, electrode pads are designed for single use only. Once they’ve been opened or placed on someone, they need to be replaced, even if no shock was delivered. This helps ensure proper contact, cleanliness, and performance in every rescue.
There is an exception for training pads, which are designed for use during practice sessions and simulations. They’re reusable and built to withstand multiple uses, but training pads should never be used in a real emergency.
Using training pads during a rescue could prevent the AED from working correctly and put the patient at risk.
Pediatric pads, like adult pads, are also single-use. They’re specially designed to reduce the shock level and fit smaller bodies. If your AED includes pediatric pads, make sure you keep extras on hand and replace them after use.
To keep your AED ready to go, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pad replacement and storage. Check expiration dates regularly, store extra pads somewhere easy to access, and always replace them after use.
Need replacements? Browse our collection of AED pads to make sure you're always stocked and ready.
AED Pad Placement on Children
When you use an AED on a child during a pediatric cardiac emergency, pad placement and shock level both play a critical role. For children under eight years old—or under 25 kg (55 lbs)—always use pediatric pads or switch the AED to pediatric mode. These settings deliver a safer, lower-energy shock for smaller bodies.
For younger children, follow the front-and-back placement method that we outlined earlier.
This placement keeps the pads from touching and allows the shock to travel safely through the heart.
If you don’t have pediatric pads, you can use adult pads in an emergency, especially for children over eight. Just make sure the pads don’t overlap, and follow the AED’s voice and visual prompts to place them correctly.
With the right pads and proper placement, you can use an AED confidently—even in high-pressure situations. These devices are built to guide you through every step.
AED Pad Placement on Infants
When you use an AED on an infant (under one year old), take extra care due to their smaller size. Always use pediatric pads or switch the device to pediatric mode to deliver a lower, safer energy level.
For infants, follow the front-and-back pad placement method detailed above.
This setup keeps the pads well spaced and allows the shock to pass safely through the heart.
If you don’t have pediatric pads and only adult pads are available, use them as a last resort. Make sure the pads don’t overlap. If they’re too large to fit side by side on the chest, switch to the front-and-back placement.
By learning how to adapt pad placement for infants, you give yourself the confidence to act quickly and safely when every second counts.
The Risks of Not Using AED Pads Correctly
Placing defibrillator pads correctly may feel straightforward, but getting it wrong can affect the outcome. If you use the wrong pads or place them incorrectly, the AED may not deliver a shock, may misread the heart rhythm, or could delay treatment when every second matters.
By understanding the risks, you can feel more prepared and confident. Here’s what can happen when pads aren’t used properly:
1. Reduced Efficacy
Placing the pads correctly helps the AED read the heart’s rhythm accurately and deliver a shock when needed.
If you use the wrong type of pads or place them incorrectly, the device may struggle to analyze the rhythm or deliver the shock properly.
That can delay treatment and lower the chances of restarting the heart in time.
2. Ineffective Shock Delivery
AEDs are designed to send a controlled shock through the heart, but that only works if the pads are positioned correctly.
If you place the pads too close together or in the wrong spots, the electrical current may not reach the heart as intended.
This reduces the chances of restoring a normal rhythm and makes it harder to achieve a successful resuscitation.
3. Increased Risks for Children and Infants
Children and infants need age-appropriate pads for safe and effective defibrillation. If you use adult pads on smaller bodies, they may not fit correctly, which can cause the pads to overlap or lose contact with the skin. That can lead to an ineffective or unsafe shock.
To reduce the risk, always use pediatric pads when they’re available, as they deliver the right energy level and fit properly on younger patients.
4. Delay in Treatment
When you hesitate or place the pads incorrectly, you lose valuable time during a cardiac emergency. Every minute without defibrillation lowers the chance of survival by about 7-10%.[1]
By placing the pads correctly right away, you allow the AED to assess the heart rhythm quickly and guide you through the next steps, helping you deliver treatment exactly when it’s needed most.
5. Potential for Further Injuries
When you place AED pads too close together, apply them to wet skin, or position them incorrectly, you increase the risk of skin burns. These issues can complicate resuscitation and may put both the patient and the responder at risk.
You can reduce these risks by ensuring that you understand how to use an AED confidently. Provide regular training, maintain your AED, keep instructions visible, and choose AEDs with clear voice and visual prompts. These steps help responders act quickly, place pads accurately, and deliver treatment safely.
FAQs
Can AED pads be placed on clothes?
No, AED pads should never be placed over clothing. For the shock to work properly, the pads must stick directly to bare, dry skin.
In an emergency, remove or cut away clothing from the chest as quickly as possible. This includes undergarments, such as bras or sports gear, that could block pad contact.
If the chest is wet, dry it with a towel or cloth before applying the pads. Good contact ensures the shock reaches the heart effectively when it matters most.
Can electrode pads touch each other?
No, they shouldn’t. AED pads must be placed with enough space between them to allow the electrical current to travel safely through the heart. If the pads overlap or touch, it can interfere with the shock and reduce its effectiveness.
Most AEDs are designed to detect if pads are too close together and will prompt you to adjust their placement. But whenever possible, rely on the diagrams printed on the pads themselves; they show exactly where to place each one for safe, effective defibrillation.
If space is limited, such as on a small adult or child, use the alternative placement method (front and back) to ensure proper pad spacing.
Where should I place AED pads if the person has a pacemaker or implant?
Place the pads as you normally would—one on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side—but avoid placing a pad directly over the implant. If you notice a visible bulge or scar, position the pad at least one inch away to ensure proper contact and shock delivery.
What should I do if the chest is very hairy?
Excess hair can prevent AED pads from sticking properly. If the area where the pad needs to go is very hairy, quickly shave or remove the hair using a razor. Good contact with the skin is essential for the AED to work effectively.
Our AED Rescue Pak includes some emergency essentials like a razor, gloves, a CPR barrier, and paramedic scissors. Attach it to your AED’s carrying case to save time in critical situations.
Does moisture affect pad placement?
Yes. Water, sweat, or other fluids can interfere with the pads’ ability to stick and deliver a shock. Wipe the chest dry before applying the pads to ensure they stay in place and function correctly.
What should I do if the person is wearing jewelry?
Remove any metal jewelry or chains from the area where the pad will be placed. If it can’t be removed quickly, just make sure the pads don’t touch the metal. Avoid placing pads directly over piercings, as this may affect how the shock travels through the body.
Understanding The Proper Placement of Pads Will Save Lives
Whether you’re helping an adult, child, or infant, correct defib pad placement ensures the AED can deliver a safe, effective shock at the right moment. With clear instructions, regular training, and reliable equipment, you can act with confidence when it matters most.
At AED Advantage, we’re here to help you build a safer, more prepared environment. As a trusted Canadian distributor of AEDs and replacement parts, we offer high-quality devices from top brands, along with expert guidance every step of the way.
From selecting the right model to understanding how to use it, we’re ready to support you.
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References
[1] Panchal, A. R., Bartos, J. A., Cabañas, J. G., Donnino, M. W., Drennan, I. R., Hirsch, K. G., Kudenchuk, P. J., Kurz, M. C., Lavonas, E. J., Morley, P. T., O'Neil, B. J., Peberdy, M. A., Rittenberger, J. C., Rodriguez, A. J., Sawyer, K. N., & Berg, K. M. (2020). Part 3: Adult Basic and Advanced Life Support: 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation, 142(16_suppl_2), S366–S468. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000916
