Which statement is true for AED use with infants and children under 8?

Which statement is true for AED use with infants and children under 8?

• A. Always use the adult pads, regardless of the child's age
• B. If your AED includes smaller-sized pads designed for children under 8, use them; otherwise use the adult pads and ensure they do not touch or overlap
• C. Place both pads on the chest
• D. Do not use an AED on children under 8

Answer: (B)

When using an AED on infants or children under eight, the pads should be pediatric-sized if available because they’re designed to deliver the appropriate amount of energy for a child’s heart. If pediatric pads aren’t available, you can use the adult pads, but make sure they do not touch or overlap. This helps ensure the shock is directed through the heart without creating a short circuit between pads. In practice, you may place one pad on the chest and the other on the back if possible, to avoid pad-to-pad contact while still delivering effective defibrillation. The other options ignore pediatric-size considerations or safety precautions, so they aren’t recommended.

When using an AED on infants or children under eight, the pads should be pediatric-sized if available because they’re designed to deliver the appropriate amount of energy for a child’s heart. If pediatric pads aren’t available, you can use the adult pads, but make sure they do not touch or overlap. This helps ensure the shock is directed through the heart without creating a short circuit between pads. In practice, you may place one pad on the chest and the other on the back if possible, to avoid pad-to-pad contact while still delivering effective defibrillation. The other options ignore pediatric-size considerations or safety precautions, so they aren’t recommended.