Cutaneous defibrillator pads

This is relevant to Question 15.2 from the first paper of 2012: "List the indications for use of the items depicted above; List five precautions for consideration when applying these items". Again, Again, in Question 30 from the first paper of 2018, the college wanted to know the precautions. As there are very few things a reasonable person could ask about electrode pads, one might only ever expect questions about where not to put them. Surely the college would never want to know about their physicochemical properties or anything more bizarre. 

Indications for use of the cutaeneous defibrillator pads

    • Defibrillation and monitoring in cardiac arrest
    • Continuous heart rhythm monitoring
    • Cardioversion
    • Transcutaneous pacing

Precautions while using the defib pads

  • Avoid the following:
    • Water
    • Vomit
    • Sweat
    • Excessive chest hair
    • Piercings
    • Necklaces
    • Bony prominences
    • Air pockets (burns may occur)
    • Implanted devices
    • Subclavian lines
    • Wounds

References

ARC: Advanced Life Support Manual, Australian Edition (6th ed) January 2011

ARC: Guideline 11.4: Electrical Therapy for Adult Advanced Life Support http://www.resus.org.au/policy/guidelines/section_11/guideline-11-4dec10.pdf