Editing Defibrillation (section)

=== Self-adhesive electrodes ===
[[File:Philips self-adhesive electrodes of adefibrillator-9859.jpg|thumb|Self-adhesive electrodes of a defibrillator]]

Newer types of resuscitation electrodes are designed as an adhesive pad, which includes either solid or wet gel.  These are peeled off their backing and applied to the patient's chest when deemed necessary, much the same as any other sticker. The electrodes are then connected to a defibrillator, much as the paddles would be. If defibrillation is required, the machine is charged, and the shock is delivered, without any need to apply any additional gel or to retrieve and place any paddles.  Most adhesive electrodes are designed to be used not only for defibrillation, but also for [[transcutaneous pacing]] and synchronized electrical [[cardioversion]].  These adhesive pads are found on most automated and semi-automated units and are replacing paddles entirely in non-hospital settings.  In hospital, for cases where cardiac arrest is likely to occur (but has not yet), self-adhesive pads may be placed prophylactically.

Pads also offer an advantage to the untrained user, and to medics working in the sub-optimal conditions of the field.  Pads do not require extra leads to be attached for monitoring, and they do not require any force to be applied as the shock is delivered.  Thus, adhesive electrodes minimize the risk of the operator coming into physical (and thus electrical) contact with the patient as the shock is delivered by allowing the operator to be up to several feet away.  (The risk of electrical shock to others remains unchanged, as does that of shock due to operator misuse.)  Self-adhesive electrodes are single-use only.  They may be used for multiple shocks in a single course of treatment, but are replaced if (or in case) the patient recovers then reenters cardiac arrest.

Special pads are used for children under the age of 8 or those under 55&nbsp;lbs. (22&nbsp;kg).<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-05-16|title=What is the Difference Between Adult and Pediatric Pads|url=https://www.aedbrands.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-adult-and-pediatric-pads/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=AED Brands|language=en-US}}</ref>