In certain circumstances, an alternative configuration for automated external defibrillator (AED) pad application becomes necessary. This method involves positioning one pad on the anterior (front) of the chest and the other on the posterior (back). This configuration may be chosen when standard placement is obstructed or impractical, such as in patients with implanted devices or certain body types.
Utilizing this alternative pad position can potentially enhance the delivery of the electrical current through the heart. It may also be beneficial in situations where anterior-lateral placement is difficult to achieve, ensuring effective defibrillation is still possible. Historically, variations in pad placement have been explored to optimize outcomes in specific patient populations.