Last Updated on: September 11, 2024
Table of Contents
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable healthcare device that delivers an electric shock to the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest and helps restore the heart’s normal rhythm. The best part about AED is that you can use them in emergencies even if you are untrained.
Now, can an AED be used on an infant? The answer is yes! However, using an AED on a baby requires special care and knowledge.
This guide will help you understand the process of AED on infant patients, its usage, precautions, and other details.
AEDs can be safely used on young children and infants, but special care is needed due to their small, delicate bodies. To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is best to use pediatric AED pads or adaptors made specifically for children. These pads will stick to a child’s chest better and provide the correct electrical shock for smaller children.
Providing CPR and using an AED helps you treat an infant in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Their condition can be fatal within minutes without the use of an AED to restart the heart. An AED can be used on an infant more efficiently with professional help. If pads for pediatrics are not available, then regular adult pads may be used with careful AED placement on an infant, keeping in mind that they must not touch the chest of the child.
Read More: Pilot and Cabin Crew: Value of CPR AED or First Aid Course
Healthcare professionals use AEDs on infants when they experience cardiac arrest or a life-threatening arrhythmia. Several scenarios may necessitate the use of AED infant treatments. These include:
Sometimes, an infant’s heart suddenly stops beating. There may also be a case of arrhythmia. So, an AED can help deliver electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Severe respiratory distress in infants may lead to cardiac arrest. In such cases, you can use an AED to provide defibrillation if necessary.
Infants with congenital heart conditions may be at a higher risk of cardiac emergencies. An AED must be available so that any bystander can use it during such situations.
Infants who have undergone cardiac surgeries may experience postoperative cardiac complications. Sometimes, this situation may also lead to cardiac arrest. An AED for infants should be accessible in these cases to ensure intervention if required.
There are several steps involved in using AED on infant patients. You must learn and follow this procedure to ensure zero errors during emergencies. The steps include:
Most Automated External Defibrillators (AED) turn on automatically when you operate them. You can even turn on the AED manually if it does not have the automatic feature.
Remove any clothing, jewelry, and medication patches from the chest of the infant. You must do this before placing the AED on infants. This will ensure zero interference with the pads, which means they can make complete contact with the skin. You must also ensure that the infant’s chest is dry before pad application.
AEDs for infants often come with pediatric-sized pads and deliver appropriate energy levels. You can even use an adult AED on the infant with the modified pad placement technique. Make sure to seek expert advice before conducting this process.
The AED will give you voice prompts to guide you in delivering a shock if necessary. Stand clear while the device searches for a shockable rhythm. Administer CPR for around 2 minutes and recheck the rhythm every 2 minutes if the rhythm is not available. Then, continue giving CPR until Advanced Life Support is available.
Here are the things to do if the shock is already indicated:
You must reassess the child after delivering a shock. Try looking for signs of life, like a pulse or breathing. Then, begin CPR if necessary, where you can start with chest compressions and rescue breaths. Another shock may be necessary if there is still no sign of life after two minutes.
Pediatric AED pads are for children between 1 and 8 years old. They must weigh less than 25 kilograms or 55 pounds. These pads help adjust the electrical energy depending on the infant’s size and weight. The instruction manual provides more information about the pads and assists healthcare professionals in correctly placing them on a child’s chest. The recommendations for the usage of AED on infants and children are as follows:
Using an AED on infant patients requires certain considerations compared to using an AED on adults. Here are the main differences:
Healthcare professionals use pediatric electrode pads during the AED pad placement infant procedure. These devices are smaller and can fit on the child’s chest properly. However, you will not find standard adult-size AED pads suitable for infants due to their larger size. Using such pads could cause improper placement or ineffective shock delivery.
Children require lower energy levels from AEDs than adults. The device delivers a higher energy shock for adults, ranging from 150 to 360 joules. Yet, the level of energy used by infants is lower, making for only 50 to 120 joules. Most AED infant devices automatically adjust the energy level based on the child’s size and weight.
Healthcare professionals must begin CPR before delivering an electric shock in infants. They should continue doing so immediately after delivering the shocks. In contrast, professionals give CPR to adults following the shock. This applies if the patient does not regain a pulse or show signs of life.
You must follow specific protocols when using AED on infant patients. It involves customizing the devices according to their small size and delicate condition. For infants, protocols often involve using pediatric-specific AEDs or settings for younger patients. Yet, adult protocols are more generalized for standard AED use without such specific adjustments.
Infants need more frequent and careful monitoring when using an AED because of their small size and physiological differences from adults. On the other hand, the standard usage protocols for using AEDs are more straightforward in adults. They do not need frequent adjustments and can operate automatically.
Infant AEDs require unique considerations, including analyzing infants’ physiological characteristics. Here are some specialized settings, energy levels, and adaptations to consider during the process.
Infant AEDs help deliver lower energy levels than adult AEDs. You must understand that infants have smaller bodies and need less energy for effective defibrillation. It means professionals can adjust the energy levels to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant during the treatment.
Infant AEDs already have pediatric electrode pads that you can adjust for the smaller chest size of infants. These pads ensure proper delivery of electrical shocks to the infant’s chest, including adhesion. They may also have illustrations or markings to guide proper AED pad placement.
Some AED models have special and unique modes specifically for infants. These settings adjust various parameters to accommodate infants’ unique physiological characteristics for optimal treatment. Examples include analyzing energy levels and algorithms. The AED may prompt the user to activate the child mode when an infant is detected.
Infant AEDs provide visual and audio prompts for infant resuscitation. The voice instructions and visual cues on the AED help guide you through the necessary steps. This ensures proper technique and intervention in terms of the treatment.
Infant AEDs are more compact and lightweight. This makes them easier to handle and transport when providing care for infants. The smaller size enables better maneuverability and application during all critical moments.
Read More: 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn CPR
You may find it easier to use an AED on infants with proper training. However, you must follow some crucial guidelines during this procedure. This involves the following steps for proper treatment:
Individuals who may have to use an AED on infant patients should undergo certified training in CPR and AED usage. This involves searching for reputable organizations that offer courses focusing on infant resuscitation. These courses should cover the use of AEDs, pad placement, energy levels, and other adaptations for infants.
CPR and AED guidelines witness changes frequently. This is how these procedures reflect the latest evidence-based practices. That is why individuals must stay current with these updates by attending refresher courses. They can also do so by participating in continuing education opportunities. This ensures that the knowledge of professionals is up to date and aligns with the most recent recommendations.
Every AED model may have specific guidelines and instructions for its use. This includes taking care of any pediatric adaptations or settings. Familiarize yourself with the respective AED model that you use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions during training and usage.
You must collaborate with healthcare professionals if you work in the healthcare sector. This involves working with pediatricians or emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to learn more about the AED process. These people can provide guidance, answer questions, and even offer expertise specific to infant AED pad placements. Build a good network and work together with experienced professionals to ensure an approach to training and adherence to guidelines.
Practice is key to maintaining proficiency in all kinds of infant AED usage. Use all your training opportunities to gain hands-on practice with simulation devices. Regular practice also helps you build muscle memory and confidence when responding to infant cardiac emergencies.
AED is a crucial device for not only adults but also for children and adults. You can use this device on the victims during sudden cardiac emergencies. This guide discussed the considerations you must take into account when placing AED on infant patients. You must also follow the necessary rules and regulations during the AED pad placement infant procedure. This enables you to provide the most effective and safe care during such critical situations. It also increases the chances of the infant surviving and recovering soon.
The best way to learn more about AED infant treatment is by pursuing training courses that help you become an efficient professional. Regular practice and staying updated with the latest guidelines are essential to ensure preparedness in emergencies.
