If pediatric AED pads are not suitable for a child, what should you do?

If pediatric AED pads are not suitable for a child, what should you do?

• A. Use the AED anyway
• B. Wait for pediatric pads
• C. Use adult pads only
• D. Do not defibrillate

Answer: (A)

In pediatric emergencies the priority is to restore a normal rhythm as quickly as possible. If pediatric defibrillation pads aren’t available or suitable for the child, you should apply the AED and deliver a shock if the rhythm is shockable, using the pads you have. Delaying to wait for pediatric pads wastes precious time and reduces the child’s chances of survival. Using adult pads is acceptable when necessary; place them according to standard positions (one pad on the chest, the other on the back or on the opposite side, avoiding overlap) and proceed with defibrillation as instructed by the device. Not defibrillating would deprive the child of potentially life-saving treatment, and waiting for pediatric pads would unnecessarily delay care.

In pediatric emergencies the priority is to restore a normal rhythm as quickly as possible. If pediatric defibrillation pads aren’t available or suitable for the child, you should apply the AED and deliver a shock if the rhythm is shockable, using the pads you have. Delaying to wait for pediatric pads wastes precious time and reduces the child’s chances of survival. Using adult pads is acceptable when necessary; place them according to standard positions (one pad on the chest, the other on the back or on the opposite side, avoiding overlap) and proceed with defibrillation as instructed by the device. Not defibrillating would deprive the child of potentially life-saving treatment, and waiting for pediatric pads would unnecessarily delay care.