An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that can deliver an electrical shock to the heart, which can be life-saving during sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively. Rapid intervention with an AED can help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Understanding Pediatric AEDs and Pads
A distinction exists between adult and pediatric AED pads regarding energy level. Pediatric pads, often referred to as attenuated or reduced-energy pads, are specifically designed to administer a lower, appropriate energy dose suitable for smaller bodies and developing hearts. This lower energy prevents potential damage from an adult-level shock.
Pediatric pads are generally recommended for children under 8 years of age or weighing less than 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms). If pediatric pads are not immediately available, adult pads can be used as a last resort, but pediatric pads are always preferred for safety and effectiveness.
Correct Pad Placement for Infants
For infants under one year of age, a specific anterior-posterior (front-back) pad placement method is used to ensure effective defibrillation. This prevents pads from touching on the infant’s small torso, an important safety consideration. One pediatric AED pad should be placed on the infant’s chest, specifically to the right of the sternum and just above the right nipple. This position ensures coverage over the upper right side of the heart.
The second pediatric AED pad is then placed on the infant’s back, precisely between the shoulder blades. This placement allows the electrical current to pass through the heart from front to back, maximizing successful defibrillation. Ensuring both pads are firmly attached and do not overlap is essential for proper electrical conduction and safety during the shock delivery. This method is tailored to an infant’s anatomy to effectively encompass the heart within the electrical pathway.
Correct Pad Placement for Children
For children, generally considered to be between one and eight years of age or weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms), the recommended AED pad placement is anterior-lateral (front-side). This method is similar to adult pad placement. One pediatric AED pad should be applied to the child’s upper right chest, positioned just below the collarbone. This placement targets the upper right side of the heart.
The second pediatric AED pad is then placed on the child’s lower left side of the rib cage, positioned below the armpit. This ensures the electrical current passes through the heart in a broad pathway, similar to adult defibrillation. It is important to confirm that the pads do not touch each other, as this can create a short circuit and reduce the effectiveness of the shock. This specific placement is designed to deliver an optimal shock to a child’s heart while accommodating their growth beyond infancy.
Important Considerations and Safety
When using an AED on a child, several important safety considerations and procedural steps must be followed regardless of their age. The immediate action should always be to call emergency services, such as 911, to ensure professional medical help is en route. If the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without delay and continue chest compressions until the AED is ready for use or emergency personnel arrive.
Before applying the AED pads, it is crucial to ensure the child’s chest is bare and dry to allow for proper adhesion and electrical conduction. During the AED’s analysis phase and especially during shock delivery, no one should touch the child to avoid accidental electrical shock. It is important to listen carefully and follow all verbal and visual prompts provided by the AED. If the AED advises a shock or if the child remains unresponsive after a shock, immediately resume CPR and continue until further instructions from emergency responders.