Can I use an AED on someone with a pacemaker?

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Can I Use an AED on Someone With a Pacemaker? | AED Machine Safety for Pacemakers

Hey guys, thanks for joining us today. Putting a post together to talk more about AED machines and some situations you might encounter while using them. One of the questions we regularly get is, can you still use an AED machine on someone that has a pacemaker or an ICD in place?

The short answer to that is yes. Remember, AED pads for the adult go on the upper right and the lower left of the person’s chest (anterior-lateral position). So if the person, on their upper right chest, has a visible lump, usually kind of looks like a deck of cards under the skin, or see visible scarring with a lump, we can still use an AED machine on that individual.

The difference… it’s appropriate to go slightly to the side of that lump or scarring versus directly over top of it. So the short answer, yes, we can still use AED machines on individuals with pacemakers or ICDs in place, assuming that it is on the upper right chest. We would just move it slightly to the side so it's not in direct contact.

But wait, what if there is a lump but it’s on the left chest or under the left armpit? Use the AED as you normally would. Turn it on… follow the prompts… and if advised, deliver a shock.

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