When using an AED, what should you do if the patient has a pacemaker?

When using an AED on a patient with a pacemaker, placing the pad below the pacemaker is the appropriate action to take. This is crucial because the electrical impulses generated by the AED need to reach the heart without interference from the pacemaker. If the pads are placed directly over the pacemaker, this could disrupt its function or lead to inappropriate shocks, which may harm the patient.

Furthermore, positioning the pads correctly ensures that the electrical current travels through the heart effectively. The location of the pacemaker is usually just below the collarbone on the upper left side of the chest; therefore, adjusting the placement of the AED pads helps avoid any potential complications from the pacemaker while still enabling effective defibrillation if needed. Using the AED is essential in life-threatening situations, and taking the right precautions ensures the safety and efficacy of the procedure.