AED Pads on an Infant: Crucial Guide Save a Life!

Understanding aed pads on an infant can feel daunting, but knowing the basics is a critical skill. The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of immediate action, stressing that the proper placement of aed pads on an infant can significantly improve survival rates. When administering aid, remember that pediatric pads are specifically designed for smaller bodies to deliver a safer and more effective shock. This guide demystifies the use of aed pads on an infant, providing essential knowledge that empowers you to act confidently and effectively. In the event of an emergency, knowing how to locate a readily available AED is another crucial element in assisting an infant in distress.

Image taken from the YouTube channel ProCPR , from the video titled Infant AED Practice – Lay Rescuer .

AED Pads on an Infant: A Crucial Guide to Saving a Life

This guide provides critical information on how to use AED pads on an infant experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Time is of the essence in these situations, and knowing the correct procedures can significantly increase the chances of survival. Remember, calling emergency services immediately is always the first and most important step.

Understanding the Need for Modified AED Pad Placement

Using standard adult AED pads on an infant can be dangerous because the electrical current can be too strong, potentially harming the child. Also, the size of adult pads might cause them to touch and deliver the current directly to each other, bypassing the heart altogether. Modified placement techniques address these concerns.

Why Infant AED Pads are Ideal

Infant AED pads, if available, are specifically designed for smaller bodies. They deliver a lower dose of electricity appropriate for an infant’s heart and are sized to prevent overlap. Always prioritize using infant pads when available.

What to Do If Infant Pads Aren’t Available

In many emergency situations, infant AED pads may not be readily available. In such cases, you can use adult AED pads, but it’s crucial to understand the correct placement to minimize risk.

Step-by-Step Guide: AED Pad Placement on Infants (Using Adult Pads)

If infant pads aren’t available, follow these steps carefully:

1. Call Emergency Services: Ensure someone has already called 911 (or your local emergency number) or do it yourself immediately.
2. Assess Responsiveness and Breathing: Check if the infant is responsive and breathing normally. If not, begin CPR.
3. Expose the Chest: Quickly remove or cut away any clothing covering the infant’s chest.
4. Dry the Chest: Wipe away any moisture on the chest. Water can interfere with the AED pad’s adhesion and electrical conductivity.

5. Modified Pad Placement: This is the most critical step. Here’s how to place the adult AED pads:

   • Anterior-Posterior Placement: Place one pad on the center of the infant’s chest and the other on the middle of the infant’s back, between the shoulder blades. This ensures the heart is between the pads.
6. Plug in the Pads: Connect the AED pads to the AED device as instructed on the device itself.
7. Follow the AED’s Instructions: The AED will analyze the heart rhythm. Clear everyone away from the infant before the AED delivers a shock.
8. Deliver the Shock (If Advised): If the AED advises a shock, press the "shock" button. Ensure no one is touching the infant during the shock.
9. Continue CPR: After delivering the shock (or if no shock is advised), immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions, following the AED’s prompts.
10. Repeat as Necessary: Continue following the AED’s prompts and alternating between AED analysis/shock delivery (if advised) and CPR until emergency services arrive.

Key Considerations and Precautions

• Pad Overlap: Never let the adult AED pads touch each other. If the infant is too small and the pads are likely to overlap even with anterior-posterior placement, try to get assistance to hold the infant’s arms away from the body.

• Pacemakers/Defibrillators: If the infant has an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator (you will see a bulge under the skin), avoid placing the AED pad directly over it.

• Hairy Chest: If the infant has excessive chest hair that interferes with the pad’s adhesion, quickly shave the area if possible. The better the pad adheres, the more effective the shock delivery will be.

• Metal Surfaces: Ensure the infant is not lying on a metal surface, as this can interfere with the AED’s function.

CPR and AED Use: A Synergistic Approach

Remember that CPR and AED use are a powerful combination. CPR helps circulate blood and oxygen to the vital organs, while the AED attempts to restore a normal heart rhythm. Don’t interrupt CPR for more than a few seconds to apply the AED pads or deliver a shock. Continuously provide effective chest compressions and rescue breaths according to your training.

Training and Preparedness

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to take a certified CPR and AED course. This training will provide you with hands-on practice and a deeper understanding of how to respond effectively to a cardiac arrest situation. Regularly review your skills and ensure your knowledge is current.

Hopefully, this gives you a good understanding of when and how to use aed pads on an infant. Keep this information handy; you never know when you might need it. Stay safe!