Most people assume that sudden cardiac arrest in children is rare, but this is not true. Researchers from Australia and New Zealand have completed a study on sudden cardiac death cases in people between the ages of 1 and 35.[1] This study shows that 10% of cardiac deaths are in children between 1 and 5 years of age. The findings from this research inspire managers of schools and public places one thing: they should increase awareness and prepare for rescuing potential pediatric SCA patients. They need a complete guide to using AED and pediatric AED pads.When learning how to treat a child with AED, there are three aspects to consider:
This guide will provide practical tips and tricks to save a child’s life if they experience cardiac arrest.
Pediatric AED pads are a set of AED accessories designed specifically for pediatric SCA patients (children under 8 years old or below 55 pounds) to deliver electric shock energy. As for children over eight, they can be treated with adult pads for a more substantial electrical shock. Given the fact that the body sizes of young children are much smaller than adults, high-energy current shocks can cause damage to children. Therefore, defibrillation needs to be set at a much lower energy level.[2] Specialized pediatric AED pads can deliver the proper current to pediatric patients.
The process involves positioning the AED pads on the pediatric patient’s chest, letting AED assess the heart rhythm and confirming if a shock treatment is needed, and delivering the shock if required. In most cases, pediatric pads work the same as the adult version.
Adult and pediatric AED pads differ in size, packaging, placement method, and energy. Pediatric AED pads are smaller than adult AED pads so that they can fit the size of a child's body. Pediatric AED pads usually also come in different colors than adult pads. Illustrations and instructions accompanying pediatric AED pads show where to position the pads on a child. Placing pediatric pads according to the instructions included in the packaging is essential when treating a child. The most crucial difference between adult and pediatric AED pads is that the discharged energy produced by pediatric pads is much lower. The maximum energy output for pediatric AED pads produced by most manufacturers is 100J, while AED pads for adults can reach 360J.
If you notice that a child is unconscious, showing symptoms such as inability to breathe or having no pulse, the child may have experienced sudden cardiac arrest. Under these circumstances, you should dial 911 immediately. If trained, perform CPR while someone nearby searches for an AED. Combined with the proper use of an AED with pediatric pads, these steps can maximize the chance of saving the patient’s life.
Lay the pediatric patient on a flat and dry surface. Attempt to perform CPR to help the patient begin breathing again. If CPR does not resuscitate the child, use an AED with pediatric pads.
Open the lid of the AED. Some AEDs (such as Mindray’s AED) start the machine once the top opens. If the device has a power-on switch, activate the power before proceeding next steps. Set the AED to child mode and remove the child’s clothes to expose their chest. If the chest looks wet, dry the chest first and wipe off any applied medications.
Peel off the outer wrapping of the pads to paste on the body. To ensure the maximum chance of survival for children, you should place the pediatric AED pads as per the instructions. It should be noted that pediatric AED pads are pasted on the front and back, which is different from that adult AED pads. You can follow the instructions and diagram found in the packaging.
If you are using the anterior-posterior method, first place the front AED pad on the upper centerline of the anterior chest. The center of the AED pad should be at the same level as the heart. Place the other AED pad on the midline of the child’s back in approximately the same position as the anterior pad. The two AED pads are different and will not work in reverse. Ensure the pads’ wires are firmly attached to the AED.
The AED device can determine whether immediate defibrillation is necessary. While the AED is assessing the patient, rescuers should avoid touching as this would affect the accuracy of the analysis. After the heart rate analysis, the AED will inform the operator whether it’s necessary to initiate defibrillation. The operator should press the discharge button as instructed by the AED. If the patient’s condition does not improve, you should continue performing CPR. If necessary, you can repeat the above operation.
It is understood that applying AED treatment in real life may sound daunting to many people, especially those without professional AED training. Children are much more vulnerable than adults, and any error in AED use can cause unexpected harm. A high-quality AED featuring intelligent and professional guidance can reduce the risk of operational errors and increase a patient’s chances of survival in critical situations.Mindray’s professional product line covers various healthcare products, including AED devices and pediatric pads. We will never stop pursuing advanced technologies and offering more convenient and better medical solutions.
References:
[1] A Prospective Study of Sudden Cardiac Death among Children and Young Adults. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1510687 (Accessed: 18 July 2022)
[2] Use of Automated External Defibrillators for Children: An Update. Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000074201.73984.fd(Accessed: 10 May 2022)