What is the recommended action if you encounter a hairy chest while applying AED pads?

When applying AED pads to a patient with a hairy chest, the recommended action is to shave the hair off. This is important because excessive hair can impede the electrical conductivity of the pads, potentially reducing the effectiveness of defibrillation. When hair is present, it may prevent the pads from making good contact with the skin, which is crucial for transmitting the electrical shock effectively.

Shaving the hair ensures that the pads can adhere properly to the patient's skin, maximizing the chances for a successful shock if necessary. It is usually faster and more effective to shave the area than to attempt to rip off hair with additional pads, as that may not only be ineffective but can also cause unnecessary pain or delay in treatment.

While ignoring the hair might seem easier, it could compromise the defibrillation process, and using extra pads to rip off hair presents a risk of not providing adequate care. Thus, shaving provides a clear and direct solution to this issue in emergency situations.