An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Immediate action with an AED significantly improves survival chances. For children, a common question arises regarding the use of adult AED pads.
Understanding AEDs for Children
AEDs deliver a controlled electrical shock to correct irregular heart rhythms. Children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds (approximately 25 kg) require specialized considerations for defibrillation. The primary differences are the energy level delivered and the size of the electrode pads.
Child-specific (pediatric) pads reduce the energy delivered by the AED, typically from an adult range of 120-360 joules to a safer 50-75 joules. This lower energy prevents potential harm to a child’s smaller body and developing heart. Pediatric pads are also smaller, ensuring they can be placed on a child’s chest without touching each other. This proper sizing is important for effective current delivery and to avoid short-circuiting the shock.
Using Adult Pads as a Last Resort
For children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg), child-specific AED pads are always recommended if available. These pads deliver a reduced energy level appropriate for a child’s smaller body. However, if pediatric pads are not immediately accessible during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, using adult AED pads is preferable to delaying or withholding defibrillation.
Adult pads deliver a higher energy shock (120-360 joules) and are larger than ideal for a child. Yet, the risk of not defibrillating a child in cardiac arrest is significantly greater than the potential risks associated with higher energy. Studies suggest that even with higher voltage, significant cardiac or skin damage may not occur. The immediate goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm quickly, as survival rates decrease significantly with each minute of delay.
Correct Pad Placement on a Child
Proper placement of AED pads is crucial for effective shock delivery. For both child and adult pads, standard anterior-lateral placement involves placing one pad on the upper right chest below the collarbone, and the other on the lower left chest below the armpit. This positioning ensures the electrical current effectively passes through the heart.
When adult pads are used on a child, their larger size often makes standard placement difficult without the pads touching. In such cases, an alternative anterior-posterior (front-back) placement should be used. One adult pad is placed on the center of the child’s chest, and the second pad is placed on the child’s back, between the shoulder blades. This front-back placement prevents the pads from overlapping or touching, which could short-circuit the electrical current and render the shock ineffective.
The Value of AED Training
Understanding how to use an AED and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is invaluable in a medical emergency. Formal AED and CPR training equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. These courses, often offered by local organizations, cover critical steps, including recognizing cardiac arrest, calling emergency services, and correctly applying AED pads.
Quick intervention with CPR and an AED can significantly improve survival outcomes. Every minute without defibrillation decreases the chance of survival by approximately 7% to 10%. Completing such training can empower parents, caregivers, and the public to respond effectively in a life-threatening situation, providing immediate aid until professional medical help arrives.