AED Pads on Infants: Save a Life! Placement Guide.

Sudden cardiac arrest in infants, a devastating event, underscores the critical importance of readily available Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The American Heart Association, a leading authority on resuscitation guidelines, provides specific protocols for infants requiring AED intervention. Understanding the correct infant AED pad placement, particularly where do you place AED pads on an infant, is crucial for effective defibrillation. Furthermore, the availability of pediatric-specific AED pads significantly impacts the success of this potentially life-saving procedure.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Touch Medical Media , from the video titled How to use an AED on a child and infant .

AED Pads on Infants: A Life-Saving Placement Guide

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are crucial devices that can save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. While AEDs are commonly used on adults, using them on infants requires special considerations, especially concerning pad placement. Knowing where do you place AED pads on an infant is vital for providing effective and safe treatment. This guide provides a detailed explanation of how to correctly position AED pads on infants.

Why Infant AED Pad Placement Matters

Using an AED on an infant is different from using it on an adult due to a child's smaller size and differing body structure. Incorrect pad placement can lead to ineffective shock delivery or even harm the infant. The goal is to deliver the electrical current through the heart, avoiding damage to other vital organs.

Identifying an Infant in Need of an AED

First, it's essential to recognize when an infant requires AED intervention. Look for these signs:

• Unresponsiveness: The infant does not respond to touch, sound, or pain.
• Absence of Breathing: The infant is not breathing or only gasping.
• Absence of Pulse: No pulse can be felt within 10 seconds. If you are not trained to check for a pulse, immediately begin chest compressions.

If these signs are present, immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US) and retrieve an AED. If you are alone, use your mobile and put it on loudspeaker while you are performing CPR.

Choosing the Right AED and Pads

Preferred: Pediatric AED Pads

The ideal scenario is to use an AED equipped with pediatric pads, also known as attenuated pads. These pads deliver a lower, safer dose of electricity appropriate for an infant's smaller size.

If Pediatric Pads Are Unavailable:

If pediatric pads are unavailable, you can use adult pads, but with specific placement adjustments to minimize the risk of harm. Only use adult pads if pediatric pads are unavailable.

Correct AED Pad Placement for Infants

The core of effective AED use on infants lies in correct pad placement. Regardless of whether you are using pediatric or adult pads (when pediatric is unavailable), the key is to ensure the electrical current passes through the heart.

Using Pediatric AED Pads

1. Antero-Posterior Placement: Place one pad on the center of the infant's chest and the other on the infant's back, between the shoulder blades.

   • This "front-to-back" placement ensures the electrical current travels through the heart.

2. Pad Positioning Specifics:

   • Chest Pad: Apply this pad to the center of the chest, avoiding bony areas like the breastbone (sternum).
   • Back Pad: Ensure the pad is positioned between the shoulder blades on the back.

Using Adult AED Pads (When Pediatric Pads Are Unavailable)

If only adult pads are available, take extra precautions to avoid pad overlap and potential harm.

1. Antero-Posterior Placement: This placement is still recommended, although adjustments are needed due to the larger size of adult pads.

2. Pad Positioning Specifics:

   • Chest Pad: Place one pad on the center of the infant's chest as you would with a pediatric pad.
   • Back Pad: Position the other pad on the infant's back, being mindful to avoid pad overlap. Ideally, try to keep the pads at least an inch apart. If overlap is unavoidable due to the infant's size, try to use the pediatric pads only.

3. Preventing Pad Overlap: If the adult pads are too large and overlap significantly, try the following alternatives:

   • Lateral Placement: If using standard antero-posterior placements the pads are significantly overlapping, consider alternative placements such as one on the side of the chest and the other on the side of the back (laterally).

Important Considerations During AED Use

• Safety First: Ensure the infant is lying on a dry, flat surface.
• Clear the Area: Before delivering a shock, loudly announce, "Clear!" to ensure no one is touching the infant or the AED.
• Follow the AED's Prompts: The AED will provide audio and visual prompts guiding you through each step of the process. Follow these instructions carefully.
• Continue CPR if Needed: If the AED advises "no shock advised" or after delivering a shock, immediately resume chest compressions and rescue breaths (CPR) until emergency services arrive. If the AED prompts for another shock, deliver it according to the device's instructions.
• Minimize Movement: Try to minimize movement of the infant during AED analysis and shock delivery.

Key Takeaways

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