What should be done regarding clothing and jewelry before applying AED pads?

Before applying AED pads, it is essential to remove bulky clothing and jewelry if necessary to ensure proper pad placement and effective defibrillation. When performing CPR and using an AED, the pads must adhere directly to the skin for the electrical shock to be delivered effectively. Removing clothing allows for direct skin contact, which is crucial for the pad’s adhesive to maintain proper placement and conductivity.

Additionally, while most jewelry can be left on if it does not interfere with pad placement, any bulky items or metallic jewelry should be removed when possible, as they could affect the AED’s ability to analyze the heart rhythm accurately or create a hazard during defibrillation. Ensuring that the area where the pads will be placed is clear of obstructions optimizes the use of the AED and improves outcomes in a cardiac arrest situation.