Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a child or infant during a sudden cardiac arrest can be a life-saving intervention. While AEDs are primarily designed for adults, some models have pediatric settings and specific child/infant pads. It's crucial to know how to use an AED correctly and adapt the process for younger patients. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for using an AED on a child and infant.
How to use an AED on a Child and Infant?
Using an AED in children and infants is a critical step. It requires a lower level of energy to defibrillate the heart. Here's a step by step instructions on how to use an AED on a child and infant.
Step 1: Secure an AED
AEDs are typically found in public areas such as schools, airports, shopping centers, and workplaces, so familiarize yourself with these locations. Once you have located the AED, retrieve it quickly. Open the case and press the power button to turn it on. The AED will provide audible and visual instructions to guide you through the process.
Step 2: Prepare the Child or Infant
- Ensure Safety: Before approaching the child or infant, ensure the scene is safe from hazards such as traffic, fire, or other dangers.
- Expose the Chest: Remove any clothing covering the chest area to allow for proper pad placement.
- Dry the Chest: If the chest is wet or sweaty, use a towel or cloth to wipe it dry. This ensures that the AED pads adhere properly.
- Remove Medication Patches: If the child or infant is wearing any medication patches on their chest, remove them carefully to avoid interference with the AED's electrical impulses.
Step 3: Place the pads onto the child or infant
- For a Child (Aged 1-8): Place one pad on the upper right chest, above the breast. Place the second pad on the lower left chest, below the armpit.
- For an Infant (Under 1 Year): Place one pad on the infant's upper left chest. Place the second pad on the infant's back. If the pads touch on the front of the chest, use the anterior-posterior (front and back) placement instead.
Step 4: Keep distance from the child or infant
Once the AED pads are in place, stop performing CPR and ensure that no one is touching the child or infant. Instruct bystanders to stand clear and confirm that no one is in contact with the child or infant to allow the AED to accurately analyze the heart rhythm. The AED will automatically begin analyzing the heart rhythm, and you should listen carefully to its prompts. If the AED prompts "Check Electrodes," ensure the pads are properly attached and making good contact with the skin. If the AED advises a shock, confirm that everyone is clear of the child or infant and press the flashing shock button when prompted to deliver the shock.
Step 5: Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm
Follow the AED's verbal instructions. If the AED reads “Check Electrodes,” make sure the electrodes are in contact with each other. Stand clear of the cardiac arrest victim while the AED searches for a shockable rhythm. If the AED reads “Shock,” hold the flashing shock button until the defibrillation shock is released.
Step 6: Perform CPR for two minutes
Immediately after delivering the shock (or if no shock is advised), resume CPR. For children, compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm); for infants, compress about 1.5 inches (4 cm). Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions. After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths by tilting the head back slightly, lifting the chin to open the airway, and covering the child's or infant's mouth and nose with your mouth, blowing gently until you see the chest rise.
Step 7: Repeat the cycle
Continue CPR for about 2 minutes (or 5 cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths), then stop for the AED to analyze the rhythm again. If the AED advises another shock, ensure everyone is clear and deliver the shock, continuing to follow the AED's prompts. If the child or infant shows signs of life, such as breathing or movement, stop CPR but leave the AED pads attached. Monitor them and be ready to resume CPR if necessary. Keep the child or infant warm and comfortable, reassuring them if they regain consciousness, and stay with them until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.
What is an Automated External Defibrillator?
Automated External Defibrillators are portable lifesaving medical devices that checks a cardiac arrest victim’s heartbeat and deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 10% for each minute without immediate CPR or external defibrillation. Some of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young people include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart muscle cells to enlarge, which then causes the chest walls to thicken.
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