Pediatric AED pads are used for children under the age of 8 years or children who weigh less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms). These pads deliver a lower electrical shock suitable for smaller and more delicate pediatric patients to increase safety and effectiveness during defibrillation. For children above 8 years or weighing more than 55 pounds, standard adult AED pads are typically recommended. If pediatric pads are not available, adult pads can still be used, but ideally the AED should be set to a child mode if it has one. Key points:
- Pediatric pads are for children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds.
- Used because they reduce the shock energy appropriate for children.
- Pediatric pads are typically placed with one pad on the chest and one on the back for smaller children.
- If pediatric pads are unavailable, adult pads can be used with caution and ideally with an AED child mode enabled.
This aligns with guidelines from the American Heart Association and most AED manufacturers.
