Is it necessary to remove a patient's clothing before using an AED?

The correct approach is to remove a patient's clothing before using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to ensure the pads can adhere directly to bare skin. This direct contact is critical for the AED to function correctly in analyzing the heart rhythm and delivering a shock if necessary. Clothing, especially if it is thick or wet, can interfere with the proper connection between the AED pads and the skin, reducing the effectiveness of the defibrillation.

Without direct skin contact, there is a risk that the electrical current delivered by the AED could be impeded or dissipated, leading to unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. Therefore, it is essential to expose the chest, typically by removing clothing in the area where the pads will be placed, to allow for optimal functioning of the device in an emergency situation.