Females and Automated External Defibrillators

Defibrillation on females sometimes causes concern on the removal of clothing. Electrode pads need to be attached to a person’s bare chest.

Removing a bra before defibrillation: Rescuers should prioritise correct pad placement and contact with bare skin. If this can be quickly achieved without removing the bra, then it is acceptable to keep the bra in place. If the bra interferes with correctly locating the pad position, then the bra should be removed. Rescuers should not be concerned about exposing the person’s chest to apply the pads and should prioritise life-saving interventions.

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