Yes they can - most pacemakers are implanted on the upper left side of a persons chest. When it comes to using an automated external defibrillator (AED), the pads are usually placed on the upper right side of the chest and on the side of the rib cage under the left arm, so a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shouldn’t get in the way. Always check your defib user manual for correct pad placement for your device.
Reviewed: 01/02/2022 (doc:743 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
