An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device designed to address sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart stops effectively. AEDs analyze the heart’s electrical rhythm, and if a shockable rhythm like ventricular fibrillation is detected, they deliver an electrical shock. This resets the heart’s electrical activity, allowing it to re-establish a normal rhythm. Early defibrillation increases survival rates.
Understanding Pediatric AED Use
An AED can be used on an infant experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. While the fundamental principle of delivering an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm remains consistent, specific considerations are necessary due to an infant’s smaller body size and differing electrical needs. The energy delivered by an AED must be attenuated, or reduced, for a pediatric patient.
This attenuation prevents excessive energy delivery, which could harm the infant. Guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association support AED use in pediatric cardiac arrest, provided appropriate modifications are employed.
Essential Pediatric AED Equipment
Specialized equipment is necessary for safely using an AED on an infant. This includes pediatric attenuator pads, which are smaller than adult pads and deliver a reduced electrical shock. These pads contain circuitry that decreases the AED’s energy output. Their smaller size also helps prevent them from touching each other when placed on an infant’s chest.
Some AED models may also feature a specific pediatric key or switch that, when activated, automatically adjusts the energy level to a lower, appropriate dose for children under eight years old or weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg). These components ensure the delivered shock is effective without causing harm from excessive energy. Using standard adult pads on an infant without attenuation can deliver too much energy, though adult pads can be used if pediatric ones are unavailable, provided they do not touch.
Applying an AED on an Infant
Once specialized pediatric pads are available, applying the AED to an infant requires careful placement. The infant’s chest should be exposed and dried for optimal pad-to-skin contact. Pads must not touch each other, ensuring the electrical current effectively crosses the heart. A common placement for infants is the anterior-posterior position.
One pad is placed on the infant’s bare chest, typically on the upper left chest or center of the sternum. The second pad is placed on the infant’s back, between the shoulder blades, directly opposite the front pad. This configuration allows the electrical current to pass through the heart, minimizing the risk of burns or ineffective therapy. After attaching the pads, follow the AED’s voice prompts and visual instructions, which guide through rhythm analysis and shock delivery if necessary.
Critical Supporting Actions
Using an AED on an infant is one component of a comprehensive emergency response. Recognizing sudden cardiac arrest in an infant is the first step, often characterized by unresponsiveness, a limp body, and abnormal or absent breathing, such as gasping. Immediately call emergency services (such as 911) to ensure professional medical help is on the way.
High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is paramount and should be initiated without delay. CPR helps circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until defibrillation or advanced medical care arrives. CPR should be started before delivering an electrical shock and continued immediately after. The AED acts as an adjunct to CPR, but CPR remains the foundational life-sustaining intervention.