Final answer:
Gary should place the AED pads by sticking one below the collarbone on the right side of the chest and the other below the armpit on the left side. Correct placement is crucial for the AED to effectively deliver a shock to treat ventricular fibrillation. CPR before AED use can also improve outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Gary is ready to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Paula, he should follow specific instructions typically provided by the AED unit through verbal prompts. To place the AED pads, Gary must expose Paula's bare chest and adhere one pad to the right side of her chest, just below the collarbone, while the second pad should be placed on the left side of the chest, under the armpit, a few inches below the nipple line. It's critical that the pads make good contact with the skin to ensure the electrical energy can correctly pass through Paula's heart muscle to correct the arrhythmia. If a heart attack has triggered a fast, irregular beating of the heart, known as ventricular fibrillation, the shock delivered by the AED can be vital in restoring the heart's natural rhythm.
Before using an AED, it is generally recommended to perform CPR if the person is not breathing or not breathing normally, as it can improve the chances of success when the AED is used. To ensure safety, Gary should ensure that no one is touching Paula when the AED analyzes her heart rhythm and when delivering the shock, to avoid any interference or injury. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, with simple, step-by-step instructions provided by the machine itself, which makes it feasible for laypersons to use them during a cardiac emergency.