Placement of AED Pads on Infants

AED Pad Placement on Infants

When using an AED on an infant under one year of age it’s crucial to use pediatric AED pads designed specifically for a child. Proper placement of the AED pads on an infant also differs from pad placement positioning on an adult so it’s important to learn the correct procedure before an emergency takes place.

What is Proper AED Pad Placement on an Infant?

Hopefully, you will never have to defibrillate an infant or small child. However, while the thought of it is daunting, knowing the correct way to use an AED on an infant or small child in an emergency ensures you’re prepared and using this life-saving tool correctly.

Smaller than adult AED pads, pediatric AED pads are intended for use on children under the age of 8 or under 55 pounds (25kg). For older or heavier individuals, adult-sized AED pads should be used.

AED pad placement is different on a child than on an adult. For an infant or small child, you should place one pediatric pad in the center of the chest and place one pediatric pad in the center of the back.

This is called anterior-posterior placement and ensures electrical shock passes through the heart properly.

What is Proper AED Pad Placement on an Infant?

Correct placement of an AED pad on an adult differs from AED placement on a child. For adults, placement is in the anterior-lateral position, which means you place one pad on the upper right chest below the right collarbone and the second pad on the left side of the chest a few inches below the armpit.

Step by Step, How Do You Use an AED on an Infant?

Like any other process, familiarizing yourself with the steps of defibrillation and practicing the procedure will give you the confidence you need to perform it properly in an emergency. In the event you do need to defibrillate an infant or small child, you should take the following steps:

1. Check the infant for responsiveness. If the child is unresponsive, call 911 and begin CPR.
2. Check to see if the AED has a pediatric mode or pediatric pads.
3. Remove any clothing covering the infant’s chest. If their body is wet, dry it before using the AED.
4. Turn on the AED and follow voice and visual prompts.
5. The AED will analyze the infant’s heart rhythm to determine if shock is needed. Make sure no one is touching the infant at this time.
6. Deliver the shock if directed to by the AED. Again, be sure no one is touching the infant before pressing the button. When sure, press the shock button.
7. Follow up defibrillation with CPR immediately for two minutes, then have the AED analyze the infant’s heart rhythm again.
8. Follow the AED’s prompts for additional shocks or CPR cycles.

How are Pediatric AED Pads Different from Adult Pads?

Pediatric pads are smaller and designed to be placed in the anterior-posterior position (front and back.)
In addition to being smaller, pediatric AED pads are designed to deliver a lower shock dose more appropriate for a child’s small, sensitive body. Pediatric pads deliver an electrical shock of 50-75 joules compared to adult pads which deliver 150-360 joules.

Any Additional Guidelines on Using an AED on an Infant?

In the event that you must defibrillate an infant or small child and you only have access to adult-sized AED pads, you can still use them. Place the adult pads on the child in the anterior-posterior position (one on the front of the child, one on the back) without overlapping the pads and then proceed.

Pediatric AED Pads: Designed Specifically for Infant Defibrillation

To ensure the most effective response to a pediatric medical emergency, you should maintain a stock of pediatric AED pads with your first aid equipment. Turn to AED Professionals to acquire your life-saving pediatric AED pads.

Defibtech Lifeline Pediatric AED Electrode Pads
Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 Pediatric AED Electrode Pads
Philips Heartstart Onsite Pediatric Smart Pads AED Electrode Pads - M5072A
Philips Heartstart Onsite AED Electrode Pad & Battery Maintenance Package