Do You Need to Remove a Bra Before Using an AED? The Answer Could Save a Life

Jul 28, 2026

Would You Hesitate to Use an AED on a Woman?

Recent international media coverage has highlighted an important issue—some bystanders hesitate to provide CPR or use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on women because they are unsure about exposing the chest or placing defibrillator pads correctly.

Women are 27% less likely to get CPR

At The Defib Store, we believe education and realistic training help remove that hesitation.

The most important thing to remember is simple:

If someone is in cardiac arrest, acting quickly gives them the best chance of survival.

AED pads must be placed on bare skin

The New Zealand Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR) recommends that AED pads are placed on an exposed chest in the positions shown on the AED pads and illustrated by the device.

Good pad-to-skin contact is essential for the AED to analyse the heart rhythm and, if required, deliver a shock effectively.

If clothing prevents correct pad placement, it should be removed or moved aside without delaying treatment.

What about bras?

This is one of the most common questions people ask.

Current New Zealand guidance does not specifically discuss bras. The key requirement is that the chest is exposed sufficiently to allow the AED pads to be placed directly onto bare skin in the correct position.

If a bra prevents correct pad placement, it should be moved aside or cut away so the pads can be applied properly.

The priority is always rapid defibrillation—not modesty.

Correct pad placement matters

For most adults, AED pads should be placed:

One pad just below the right collarbone.
The second pad on the left side of the chest, below the armpit, as illustrated on the AED pads.

For women with larger breasts, the left pad may need to be positioned slightly further to the side so it sits against the chest wall rather than over breast tissue.

Always follow the diagrams supplied with your AED.

Why realistic training is important

One reason people hesitate is that many CPR courses have traditionally used male training manikins.

As more organisations introduce realistic female CPR manikins, learners become more comfortable recognising anatomical differences and applying AED pads correctly regardless of the patient's sex.

Training that reflects real-life emergencies helps build confidence and reduces hesitation when every second counts.

A message from The Defib Store

Every cardiac arrest is different, but one thing never changes:

Early CPR and early defibrillation save lives.

If you ever need to use an AED:

Call 111 immediately.
Begin CPR.
Expose the chest.
Place the AED pads directly onto bare skin as shown on the pads.
Follow the voice prompts from the AED.
Do not delay treatment because of clothing or concerns about modesty.

Taking action quickly could save someone's life.

References

This article has been prepared using guidance from:

New Zealand Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR Guideline 7 – Automated External Defibrillation)
International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) evidence review
Recent public discussion reported by BBC News regarding bystander hesitation to provide CPR and use AEDs on women.

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