During AED use, pad placement should be appropriate for which factor?

• A. Victim's age
• B. Victim's weight
• C. Hospital guidelines
• D. Pad color

Answer: (A)

Pad placement in an AED is guided by the victim’s size, which is closely linked to age. The goal is to position the pads so the current travels through the heart, but the chest size changes where the pads should go. For adults, the standard positions fit a larger chest; for children or smaller victims, pediatric pads or adjusted placements are used to match the smaller chest and heart location. Because of that, age (as a practical proxy for size) is the factor that determines where the pads should be placed. Pad color and hospital guidelines don’t drive immediate placement, and weight is not the separate guide used in the moment. Follow the device prompts and pediatric vs. adult recommendations based on the patient’s size/age.