How to Use an AED on a Child in an Emergency

When a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, early defibrillation is vital. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is both safe and straightforward, and can greatly increase the child’s chance of survival.

Initial Safety and Assessment

• Ensure the area is safe for both you and the child.
• Check for responsiveness by gently tapping the child and calling their name.
• If there is no response, open the airway and check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

If the child is not breathing normally:

• Call emergency services immediately.
• Ask someone nearby to locate an AED.

Begin CPR Until the AED Arrives

While waiting for the AED, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):

• Deliver 5 rescue breaths.
• Follow with 30 chest compressions, pressing to 1/3 the depth of the chest.
• Maintain a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute – roughly two compressions per second.
• Continue with a 30:2 ratio (compressions to breaths) until the AED arrives.

Using the AED on a Child

• Turn the AED on immediately upon arrival and follow both voice and visual prompts.
• Modern AEDs offer clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
• Apply the AED as soon as possible – early defibrillation dramatically improves survival rates.

Using the Child Settings or Paediatric Pads

• If the child is under 8 years old or weighs less than 25kg, use the child mode or setting on your AED.
• This reduces the shock strength, but often allows use of the same pads.
• If no child setting is available, use paediatric pads if provided with your AED brand.
• If neither are available, adult pads can be used with adjusted placement (see below).

Pad Placement for Children

• For smaller children: place one pad in the centre of the chest and the other in the centre of the back.
• For larger children who fit standard pad placement: place one pad on the upper right side of the chest and the other below the left rib cage.

During AED Operation

• Once the pads are in place, the AED will analyse the heart rhythm.
• Ensure no one is touching the child during analysis.
• If a shock is advised, stand clear and either press the shock button or wait if it is an automatic unit.

After the Shock

• Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions.
• Continue to follow the AED prompts as it monitors the heart and guides you through further actions.

When to Stop

Do not stop until:

• The child begins breathing normally.
• Emergency services take over.
• A qualified healthcare professional instructs you to stop.

Final Thoughts

Using an AED on a child is safe, simple, and requires no prior training. Acting swiftly can mean the difference between life and death. Stay calm, follow the instructions, and trust the device to guide you through.