In the event adult AED pads might touch each other on a child's chest, what is the appropriate placement?

The appropriate placement of AED pads in the situation where adult pads might touch on a child's chest is the anterioposterior position. This placement involves placing one pad on the chest, typically on the upper right side, and another pad on the back, typically on the lower left side. This positioning is important because it helps to ensure that the electrical current delivered by the AED passes through the heart effectively without the pads overlapping.

Using the anterioposterior configuration is particularly beneficial for children, as it minimizes the risk of pad contact while maximizing the efficient delivery of the shock. This technique can also reduce the likelihood of skin burns or injuries that could occur if pads touch each other or are positioned too closely together.

In contrast, the other positions—such as anterolateral, diagonal, and side-by-side—might result in overlapping pads or inefficient current flow, which can impede the effectiveness of the AED and potentially harm the individual receiving care. Thus, the anterioposterior position is both the safest and most effective method for using AED pads on a child's chest when adult pads are required.