How to Use an AED on a Child
An automatic external defibrillator is used to restart a heart that is not pumping, or is pumping with an ineffective rhythm that does not adequately circulate blood. An AED can be used on children ages 1 through 8 years, or less than 55 lbs., who do not have a pulse. The equipment comes equipped with defibrillator pads made just for children. Most AEDs have a speaking voice mechanism which talks you through the process of using the machine, or clearly outlined diagrams which do the same.
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Instructions
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Bare the child's chest by opening or removing clothing from the upper body. A scissors may be used to cut clothing open, if needed. Wipe the chest with a dry towel if any lotions, oils or powder are present.
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Open the AED and choose pediatric sized defibrillator pads. You may be required to plug the pediatric pads into the AED unit. You can do this by finding the connector plug attached to the pediatric defibrillator pads, and plugging it into the connector port on the AED.
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Follow the diagram on the front of the defibrillator packaging for placement of the pads to the child's chest. Place one pad, usually round, between the child's nipples and closest to left nipple. Do not place the pad over the child's nipple. Place the second pad, usually square, between the child's shoulder blades on his back.
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Turn the AED on. The AED will automatically detect any heart activity and determine whether or not administering a shock is advisable. Do not touch the child while the AED checks for cardiac activity. It may take a few seconds for the AED to determine if cardiac activity is present.
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Ensure no one is touching the child, and deliver a shock by pressing the shock button, if the AED indicates you should. The AED will read for cardiac activity once the shock has been given and advise you if additional shocks are advised. If so, repeat the process of not touching the child and pressing the shock button when the machine tells you to. The AED will only advise up to three shocks at a time.
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If the AED does not advise that a shock be given, cardiopulmonary resuscitation needs to be performed until a physician or other qualified medical personnel can assume care of the child.
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Tips & Warnings
Children over the age of 8require the use of adult sized defibrillator pads.
Do not use an AED on children under 1 year of age.
Use of an AED in a wet environment is not recommended, and children in or near water should be removed from the water and the upper body completely dried before AED pads are placed.
