Please purchase the course before starting the lesson. An AED can be used on children and infants and should be used as early as possible for the best chance of improving the chance of survival. Check the AED when it arrives at the scene. Pediatric pads should be used if the person is less than eight years old or less than 55 pounds (25 kg). Standard
(adult) pads may be used if pediatric pads are not available. If using standard (adult) pads, do not let the pads touch. For infants less than a year old, a manual defibrillator should be used if available. If a manual defibrillator is not available, an AED may be used. Some AEDs have a switch that can be set to deliver a pediatric shock. If available, turn the switch on when using on children younger than eight years old. If the AED cannot deliver a pediatric shock, an adult shock should be
given. It is important to remember an electric shock may be the treatment for a fatal heart rhythm.
AED Steps for Children and Infants
- Retrieve
the AED (Figure 12a).
- Open the case.
- Turn on the AED.
- Expose the person’s chest (Figure 12b).
- If wet, dry the chest.
- Remove any medication patches.
3. Open the Pediatric AED pads (Figure 12c).
- Peel off backing.
- Check for pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.
4. Apply the pads (Figure 12d).
- Apply one pad on the upper right chest above the breast. For infants, apply on the front of the chest.
- Apply the second pad on the lower left chest below the armpit. For infants, apply a second pad to the back (Figure 12e).
5. Ensure wires are attached to the AED box (Figure 12f).
6. Move away from the child (Figure 12g).
- Stop CPR.
- Instruct others not to touch the child.
7. Let AED analyze the rhythm.
8. If the AED message reads “Check Electrodes,” then:
- Ensure electrodes make good contact (Figure 12f).
9. If the AED message reads “Shock,” then:
- Press and hold the flashing shock button until the shock is delivered.
10. Resume CPR for two minutes starting with chest compressions (Figure 12h).
11. Repeat steps 1-10.
Please purchase the course before starting the lesson. Most public places in key cities are likely to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) somewhere. Easy to use and highly sophisticated, the AED allows even people who have never used one before to provide life-saving interventions. Though it may
be simple to operate, it is still crucial to ensure that proper AED procedure is performed in stressful situations.
AED Steps for Children and Infants
- Secure an AED (Figure 10a).
- Retrieve it from its case.
- Turn on the device.
- Keep the baby’s chest exposed (Figure 10b).
- Dry it if necessary.
- Peel off existing medication patches, if any.
- Assemble the pediatric AED pads (Figure 10c).
- Peel off the back cover.
- Check the infant’s body for a pacemaker or defibrillator.
- Place the pads onto the infant (Figure
10d).
- Place one pad on the upper right chest above the breast or on the infant’s upper left chest.
- Place the second pad on the lower left chest below the armpit or on the infant’s back.
- If pads will touch on the chest of an infant, apply one pad on the anterior chest and another pad on the posterior of the infant instead.
- Continue performing CPR if the AED is not functioning. Do not waste time fixing the AED, as CPR is more important; AEDs are supplemental.
- Do not use AED in and near bodies of water.
AED Steps for Children and Infants, Continued
- Make sure wires are properly attached to the AED (Figure 10e).
- Keep your distance from the infant (Figure 10f).
- Stop CPR operations.
- Warn others not to touch the infant.
- Allow the AED to analyze the rhythm of the infant’s heart.
- If the AED reads “Check Electrodes”, proceed by following these steps:
- Make sure the electrodes are in contact with each other.
- Step back and allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm again.
- If the AED reads “Shock,” hold the flashing shock button until the shock is released.
- For two minutes, execute CPR (Figure 10g).
- Repeat cycle.