Why is it important to shave a patient's hair before using defibrillator pads?

Shaving a patient's hair before using defibrillator pads is crucial primarily to prevent electrical arcs, which pose a fire hazard. When defibrillation occurs, it requires a certain level of electrical conductivity to effectively transmit the shock to the heart. If there is excessive hair between the pads and the skin, it can insulate the electrical current or create points of resistance. This can lead to several issues, including inadequate delivery of the shock to the heart and potential arcing of the electricity between the hair and the pads. Such arcing can not only reduce the effectiveness of the defibrillation attempt, but can also present serious safety risks, including the potential for skin burns or igniting combustible materials in the vicinity. Hence, shaving the hair ensures a direct contact between the pads and the skin, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the defibrillation process.