Sudden cardiac arrest in infants is a rare but life-threatening event where the heart abruptly stops pumping blood. Recognizing this emergency and acting swiftly can improve an infant’s chances of survival. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. Understanding how to use this device correctly is important for caregivers.
Using an AED on an Infant
An AED can be used on an infant experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, though specific modifications are necessary for safe and effective use. Infants have smaller bodies and developing hearts. Delivering the full electrical energy intended for an adult could harm their cardiac tissue.
Pediatric attenuator pads reduce the electrical shock energy delivered by the AED. These specialized pads typically attenuate the energy to a lower level, often around 50-70 joules, compared to 120-200 joules or higher for adults. Some AED models may use a “pediatric key” or a specific mode switch for this reduction. Using the correct pediatric equipment ensures the shock is appropriate for the infant’s size and physiological needs, minimizing injury risk while providing therapeutic benefit.
Applying the AED: A Step-by-Step Guide
When an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally, first ensure the surrounding area is safe. Immediately after confirming safety, activate emergency medical services. If alone, begin chest compressions for two minutes before calling for help, then retrieve and prepare the AED.
Once the AED is available, turn it on and listen to the voice prompts. Open the infant pads, which are smaller than adult pads and designed for an infant’s chest. Proper placement is crucial to ensure the electrical current passes through the heart. Position one pad on the infant’s bare chest, on the upper right side of the sternum, just below the collarbone.
Place the second pad on the infant’s back, between the shoulder blades, ensuring the heart is positioned directly between the two pads. This anterior-posterior placement helps maximize the electrical current’s pathway through the heart. Confirm that both pads make full contact with the skin, pressing down firmly to remove any air bubbles. Then, connect the pads’ cable to the AED unit as indicated by the device’s prompts.
Once the pads are connected, ensure no one is touching the infant before the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. The device will advise whether a shock is necessary. If a shock is advised, ensure everyone remains clear of the infant and press the shock button when prompted. Immediately after delivering the shock, or if no shock is advised, resume chest compressions and rescue breaths. Continue to follow all subsequent AED voice prompts until emergency medical personnel arrive.