What should you do if you discover a pacemaker while applying an AED?

When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in a patient who has a pacemaker, the correct approach is to avoid covering the implanted pacemaker with the AED pads and apply them normally, positioning them away from the device. This is crucial for a couple of reasons:

First, placing the AED pads directly over a pacemaker can interfere with the proper delivery of electric shocks. The pacemaker itself is designed to regulate the heart’s rhythm and can be disrupted by the high-energy shocks from an AED, which may not only hinder the function of the pacemaker but also pose a risk to the patient.

Second, applying the AED pads correctly ensures that the electrical shock is delivered to the heart muscle, which is critical for effectively treating ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. This positioning helps to improve the chances of successful defibrillation during a cardiac emergency.

In contrast, ignoring the presence of a pacemaker and proceeding normally may lead to complications, while attempting to remove the pacemaker or covering it with pads can create further risks and increase the chance of injury or ineffective shock delivery. Therefore, understanding the significance of proper pad placement in relation to a pacemaker is essential in emergency procedures.