What should you do if AED pads are not adhering well?

Using additional pads if available is the best course of action when AED pads are not adhering well. Adequate contact between the pads and the skin is crucial for the effective delivery of a shock. If the pads are not well-adhered, they may not effectively transmit the electrical shock to the heart, which can hinder the resuscitation efforts.

The use of additional pads ensures that you can achieve proper adhesion and maintain optimal conductive contact. This is particularly important given that many AEDs come with multiple pads that can be utilized if the initial ones are compromised.

Applying pressure and continuing with the existing pads may not be effective enough, as the initial pads may fail to conduct the shock properly, while increasing the power of the AED does not address the adhesion issue at all, and leaving the pads off entirely eliminates the possibility of a shock being delivered when it's needed most. Therefore, obtaining and using additional pads is essential for maximizing the chances of restoring effective heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.