What is the recommended placement configuration for AED pads on an adult?

The recommended placement configuration for AED pads on an adult is anterolateral and anteroposterior. This placement ensures that the electrical shock delivered by the AED travels through the heart in a manner that maximizes the effectiveness of defibrillation.

When one pad is placed on the right upper chest (anterolateral position) and the other pad is positioned on the left side of the chest, just below the armpit (anteroposterior position), it creates a clear pathway for the electric current through the heart. This configuration helps in targeting the myocardial tissue directly, which can be crucial during a cardiac arrest scenario.

The other placement configurations do not align with the current guidelines for optimal AED pad placement. Anterolateral and lateral would not provide the effective current pathway needed. Anterior and superior could suggest an incorrect positioning that might not maximize the shock's efficacy. Similarly, posterior and inferior positioning is not appropriate for adult patients as it does not facilitate the right electrical pathway for defibrillation. Overall, the anterolateral and anteroposterior configuration is based on extensive research and is meant to enhance the chances of successful resuscitation in a cardiac emergency.