After treating a passenger with an AED during a flight, what should you do with the AED pads?

The appropriate action after treating a passenger with an AED during a flight is to never remove the pads. This is crucial because the pads are designed to remain attached to the patient’s skin during and after the delivery of a shock. Removing them too soon could disrupt the monitoring of the patient’s heart rhythm or negate the possible need for further shocks. The pads also help to maintain contact with the skin, ensuring that any subsequent defibrillation attempts are effective.

Additionally, in a medical emergency, time is of the essence, and it’s important to have the pads in place for continued analysis of the patient's condition, as well as for potential re-treatment. The AED will typically provide voice prompts for the rescuer, ensuring that they follow the correct protocol in resuscitation efforts, which includes keeping the pads on the patient until emergency medical services arrive.