How to Dispose of AED Electrode Pads

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers a life-saving jolt of electricity to a stopped heart in attempt to stop a spasm and cause the heart to beat steadily again. As home AED units are developed, these lifesaving devices are more plentiful than ever. Home AED units are designed to be easy to use, with disposable electrode pads.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol wipe

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Instructions

• 1

  Follow the instructions on the device to shut down the AED.

• 2

  Remove the electrode pads from the patient's chest. Gently peel the adhesive pad from the skin. Clean any residual glue from the skin with an alcohol wipe.

• 3

  Inspect the pads. If blood or any other bodily fluid is present, dispose of pads in a bio-hazard bin. If a bio-hazard trash bin isn't available, peel the affected plastic from the pad, wrap it in clean paper and place it in the trash. Recycle the interior portion of the pad.

• 4

  Recycle clean pads. Clean, used pads, or the insides of soiled pads must be taken to the closest electrical recycling center. Reclaiming the heavy metals in the electrode pads prevents groundwater contamination.