What is the correct placement for AED electrodes?

The correct placement for AED electrodes is under the right clavicle and over the lower left rib cage. This positioning is essential for ensuring that the electrical shock delivered by the AED effectively targets the heart, allowing for a proper analysis of the heart's rhythm and increasing the likelihood of restoring a viable heart rhythm during a cardiac arrest.

When the electrodes are placed correctly—one on the upper right side of the chest just below the collarbone and the other on the lower left side of the chest—it helps create an electrical pathway through the heart. This allows the AED to function optimally by detecting life-threatening arrhythmias and administering shocks when necessary.

Proper placement is crucial, as incorrect electrode positioning can impede the effectiveness of the shock and increase the risk of inadequate defibrillation, which could adversely affect the patient's chances of survival.