Which of the following should be confirmed when preparing the AED for use?

When preparing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use, it is crucial to confirm that both the pads and the battery are present and functional. This step is vital because the pads are necessary to deliver the shock to a patient experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, while the battery powers the device and ensures it operates correctly at the moment of need. If either the pads are missing or expired or the battery is not functional, the AED will not work, putting the patient's life at risk.

While confirming that the device is securely placed in its storage or that a last inspection was performed are good practices for general maintenance and readiness, they do not directly affect the immediate use of the AED. Ensuring that the device is charged is certainly important, but it is encompassed within the broader check of the battery's functionality. The primary focus should always be on the components that are essential for the operation of the AED in a critical situation, making the confirmation of the pads and battery the most important step.