Generally, no, you do not need to remove a bra for an AED.
Here's why:
- AEDs are designed to work through clothing. The AED pads are designed to deliver a shock through clothing, even thick layers.
- Removing clothing can delay treatment. Time is crucial in a cardiac emergency. Removing clothing can take valuable seconds that could be used to deliver the life-saving shock.
- Focusing on chest exposure. The primary focus is to expose the chest area where the AED pads will be placed.
However, there are some exceptions:
- If the bra is very thick or has a lot of metal hardware. This could interfere with the AED's ability to deliver a shock effectively.
- If the bra is covering the chest area where the pads need to be placed. In this case, it may be necessary to loosen or remove the bra.
Always follow the instructions of the AED device and the emergency responders on the scene.
