If an AED pad would land on a medication patch, what should you do?

• A. Continue CPR until you can determine the name of the medication contained in the patch.
• B. Move the patch to another area and then properly apply the AED pads.
• C. Remove the medication patch, wipe away any medication residue, and apply the AED pads.
• D. Apply the AED pad at least 1 inch away from the medication patch to avoid skin burns.

Answer: (C)

If a medication patch could be in the path of the AED pads, the priority is to remove the patch, clean the area, and place the pads on bare, dry skin. The defibrillation energy can heat or interact with the patch itself, potentially causing burns or altering how the drug is delivered through the skin. Removing the patch eliminates these risks and ensures the pads can contact the skin properly for an effective shock. After removing, wipe away any residue to prevent conduction or residue from affecting the pad-skin interface. If removal isn’t possible, you would still want to keep pads off the patch and apply them to clean skin, but removing the patch is the best course to take when feasible.