When applying an AED to a patient with implanted defibrillators or pacemakers, what is an important consideration?

When applying an AED to a patient with implanted defibrillators or pacemakers, what is an important consideration?

• A. Avoid placing AED pads directly over implanted devices
• B. Increase pad energy
• C. Remove implanted device
• D. Do not use AED at all

Answer: (A)

Avoid placing AED pads directly over implanted devices. The shock from an AED travels through the chest and can interact with a pacemaker or defibrillator, potentially causing burns, device damage, or interference with the device’s sensing or pacing function. To protect the device and ensure effective defibrillation, reposition the pads so the implanted device is not covered—using alternate chest-wall placements if needed—while still delivering the shock when indicated. Do not remove the device or alter the AED’s energy settings; the goal is to provide timely defibrillation without delivering energy through the device.

Avoid placing AED pads directly over implanted devices. The shock from an AED travels through the chest and can interact with a pacemaker or defibrillator, potentially causing burns, device damage, or interference with the device’s sensing or pacing function. To protect the device and ensure effective defibrillation, reposition the pads so the implanted device is not covered—using alternate chest-wall placements if needed—while still delivering the shock when indicated. Do not remove the device or alter the AED’s energy settings; the goal is to provide timely defibrillation without delivering energy through the device.