Final answer:
Hair must be removed before applying AED pads to ensure adhesive contact and proper electrical conductivity. The skin's good electrical conductivity at high voltages and the gel on the pads help to transfer energy effectively to the heart, rather than causing burns.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a victim has a hairy chest, it is important to remove the hair before applying the AED pads to ensure proper adhesion and electrical conductivity. Hair can interfere with the adhesive contact between the pads and the skin, which can lead to poor conduction of the electrical current necessary for defibrillation. In addition, excessive hair may cause the defibrillator to deliver lower electrical currents than needed, affecting its efficacy.
Using a defibrillator with properly applied AED pads does not cause serious burns because the skin conducts electricity well at the high voltages used by defibrillators. The gel on the pads aids in the transfer of energy by creating a better connection between the pad and the skin, ensuring that the energy passes through to the heart, rather than being absorbed by the skin. This is crucial in treating a person in cardiac arrest efficiently and safely.