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AED Question
This question would probably do better being posted on the JEMS sister site but I havn't gotten around to creating an account there so I'm posting it here.
Yesterday I had one of our newer firefighters ask me if it was ok to use adult AED pads on a child. I told him that I could not really answer his question because I have heard two different answers myself. Even in EMT school, I had an instructor that told me I could use adult pads on a child and a different instructor tell me that I could not. So.... maybe someone can give me the real answer???
Yesterday I had one of our newer firefighters ask me if it was ok to use adult AED pads on a child. I told him that I could not really answer his question because I have heard two different answers myself. Even in EMT school, I had an instructor that told me I could use adult pads on a child and a different instructor tell me that I could not. So.... maybe someone can give me the real answer???
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dustin J. Millis on
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Cool thanks! I've glanced over our AED's instructions but I kinda just figured an AED was an AED. I didn't think there were too many differences. I will be sure to take some time and read through them to figure out our specific AED.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Pads...yes...BUT, on some units you have to use a voltage reducer for peds..others are biphasic and automatically adjust the output based on resistence sensed
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Permalink Reply by EngineLadder on
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What do you local state ems protocals state?
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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on
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Just be sure the pads don't touch. Thats why they suggest you place on adult pad on the childs front and one on his/her back. If they short together, they can leave some nasty burns...
TCSS,
Reg
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Permalink Reply by FETC on
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We are talking about a straight forward AED correct? Straight AED's are designed for adults and toning down the joules is not an option. That would be a manual defib. - HE IS USING AN AED. If you can adjust or change a key then it would be a SEMI-AUTO DEFIB (Because the end user can adjust the unit)
AED's are turn on... listen to the instructions and press the shock button.
The units found in the general public (public-AED's) are primarily adult AED, these are now bi-phasic which measure resistance and body mass which in turn adjust the joules on the individual patient regardless of his or her age. Now a skinny old lady or big lard-ass are not getting the same juice. This is to reduce the amount of electricity to the heart muscle and reduces tissue damage.
So YES use an AED on a CHILD (no pads touching) - and ABSOLUTELY NOT ON PEDI's with an adult AED unit.
Great points by many with the pads must never touch, and front and back may be the alternative option.
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No FETC...there ARE AED's on the market that require a reducer for pediatrics...pads are universal(except for placement) on both adults and Peds.....reducer is with the unit and goes inline when you hook up the leads....we have a couple at the visit center where I work.....Paul
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Permalink Reply by blair4630 on
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If I remember right, the current thought is you can use the adult pads down 1 yr, and no lower. However, I can't remember it it's the peds pads that filter down the joules (power) of the AED, I want to say it is. You should maybe look into peds pads.
I'm sorry, being a full-time paramedic it's a little embarrasing to not be able to answer your questions with %100 confidence. Problem is we don't use AEDs, I can tell you exactly the joules for peds based off weight and when we use those pads, but it's all manual and I just don't deal with the AED's except when recertifying my BCLS.
Guess I'll be seeing you soon on the pages of connect.jems.com....you'll see a few familiar faces from here....and it's super easy to assimilate because it's layed out exactly the same. Welcome in advance!
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I have seen child pads with a reducer but for a baby; birth to 1 (pediatric pads???) used on an adult AED... I havent seen them around my way. It wouldn't surprise me though in this economy that manufacturers are trying to multi-task.
I use a Lifepack 12 daily and we just go manual for pediatric reduction.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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The American Heart Association's position is; IF you only have adult pads, use them. What's the alternative if you don't?
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I wish...!!! LOL I long for the days that we had the "Lifepacks"...too many times we had "flatline" that may have been fine fib and the AED would not let us shock......Paul
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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That is what I was going to respond with too Oldman.
If you are in a position where a child is in a shockable rhythm (very unlikely) and all you have is an adult AED, no peds pads, no reducer, really what is the alternative?
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very true, guess I hadn't thought of it that way.
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