Page 58 - Participant Manual

AED does not have a pediatric setting, it is safe to use adult AED pads and adult levels of energy on a child
or infant. (Note that the opposite is not true—you should not use pediatric AED pads or the pediatric setting
on an adult because the shock delivered will not be sufficient if the person is older than 8 years or weighs
more than 55 pounds.)

Just as when you are using an AED on an adult, apply the AED pads to the child’s bare, dry chest, placing
one pad on the upper right chest and the other pad on the lower left side of the chest below the armpit. If you
cannot position the pads this way without them touching (as in the case of an infant or a small child), position
one pad in the middle of the chest and the other pad on the back between the shoulder blades (Figure 3-8).
Then follow the standard procedure for using an AED.

A B

Figure 3-8. If the person is too small to place both AED pads on the front of the chest without them
touching, place one on the middle of the chest (A) and the other between the shoulder blades (B).

Box 3-4. Considerations for Safe and Effective

AED Use

Environmental Considerations

■ Flammable or combustible materials. ■ Water. If the person is in water, remove him or
Do not use an AED around flammable or her from the water before using the AED. Once
combustible materials, such as gasoline or you have removed the person from the water,
free-flowing oxygen. be sure there are no puddles of water around
you, the person or the AED.
■ Metal surfaces. It is safe to use an AED
when the person is lying on a metal surface, ■ Inclement weather. It is safe to use AEDs
as long as appropriate precautions are in all weather conditions, including rain and
taken. Do not allow the AED pads to contact snow. Provide a dry environment if possible © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
the metal surface, and ensure that no one (for example, by sheltering the person with
is touching the person when the shock is umbrellas), but do not delay defibrillation to do
delivered. so. Remove wet clothing and wipe the person’s
chest dry before placing the AED pads. Avoid
getting the AED or AED pads wet.

(Continued )

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