How should AED pads be placed on an adult victim?

The correct placement of AED pads on an adult victim is on the upper right chest and the lower left side. This configuration creates a pathway for the electrical shock from the AED to travel across the heart, which is essential for effective defibrillation in cases of cardiac arrest. The upper right pad is placed above the right nipple, while the lower left pad is positioned several inches below the left armpit. This placement allows the shock to depolarize the heart muscle effectively, increasing the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm.

In this scenario, the other placements would not ensure effective defibrillation. For example, placing both pads on the lower part of the chest would not create the necessary electrical current pathway across the heart. Additionally, using pads on the forehead and abdomen would not be suitable, as they do not target the heart directly and are not within the recommended positions for AED usage. The design of AED pads and their specific positioning are based on anatomical considerations that maximize the chance of successful intervention during a cardiac emergency.