New position for AED Pad placement

Did you know the position for AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) pads has recently changed?

Following medical research into the effectiveness of AED, the Resuscitation Council UK has updated its training advice on where to position the pads. All new pads will have this new position printed directly on them but while there are still old pads on AED's it is important to be aware of the change. Please feel free to repost this message to anyone who may need to know.

New Position
The pad on the casualty's left side should be much higher on the side of the chest than before, almost under the armpit. The right pad remains in the same position, just under the collar bone on the right side of the chest. The new position of the left pad means that the heart is more directly between the two pads for better shock delivery.

Please see the 2 pictures I have created to demonstrate the new position of the left pad.

What do you need to do?
1) Ensure your first aid staff and colleagues are aware of the changes.
2) If your organisation has an AED you are not required to update your pads until they are due for replacement, usually around every 3 years. However, you may choose to replace them anyway for your own safety.
3) When buying new pads, or a new AED, ensure they have the latest up-to-date position printed on the pads. Companies may be selling off old ones cheap so make sure you have the new stock.

Further help
Feel free to message me on calum@fawcornwall.co.uk for any further advice. If you would like to update your staff, or your own, first aid training please get in touch. As an FAIB (First Aid Industry Body) approved first aid training organisation we use the latest advice recommended by HSE and the Resuscitation Council UK. We mainly run our courses in Cornwall but are happy to travel to your location anywhere in the UK, please get in touch and we will work out our best possible price for you. www.fawcornwall.co.uk

There have been many other changes to the approved first aid training this year so I will aim to post updates each week of the new advice.

AED Pad position, front view

AED Pad position, side view