How Do I Know Which Pads I Need for my AED?

Jenna Alvich
Person laying in the background with AED pads placed on their side.

Did you know out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survival rates double when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is used within 3-5 minutes? That’s why having a working AED on hand during emergencies is so critical when every second counts. One essential component of an AED includes the AED pads, also called “electrodes,” which use adhesive to stick to the patient’s chest. The wires, or “leads,” to/from the AED pads communicate to the AED with a diagnosis of the patient. If a shockable heart rhythm is detected, the AED will discharge an electrical current through the leads, AED pads, and ultimately, the patient’s body. The purpose of the electrical shock is to allow the heart to “restart” a normal rhythm. AED pads are placed on different areas of the patient’s torso, depending on size and shape. Check out our AED Pad Placement Guide to learn more.

Do I need pediatric pads as well?

SCA is rare in children and can affect anyone. Each year, SCA affects over 2,000 children and adolescents in the United States and accounts for about 3-5 percent of all deaths in children aged 5-19 years. We recommend equipping all AEDs with pediatric pads, especially if the AED is placed where many children gather, such as schools, daycares, churches, pools, sporting events, and other public spaces.

Pad and Battery Guide

Our Pad and Battery Guide features each AED with links to the correct pads and batteries, making it easy to find which accessories you need for your AED. Click below to jump to the section you want to see or keep reading for our complete list:

ZOLL AEDs

Cardiac Science AEDs

Physio-Control AEDs

HeartSine AEDs

Philips AEDs

Defibtech AEDs

How do I replace my pads?

The process to replace AED pads is different for each AED. Check out our YouTube channel, where Customer Service Director, Blaire Czarniecki, walks through changing pads for each AED.

Conclusion

If you have any additional questions about what pads you need for your AED, our team of customer service experts is available to help.

Sources

  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Sudden Cardiac Arrest.” https://www.chop.edu. 4 February 2022.
  • American Heart Association. “Cardiac arrest survival greatly increases when bystanders use an automated external defibrillator.” https://newsroom.heart.org/. 7 February 2022.
Written by BlaireWritten by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director

Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”

Last updated February 8th, 2022