Can you use a defibrillator on an infant

Because an AED supplies an electrical shock to the heart, many people are concerned about using a defibrillator on young children and infants. Firstly, it is important to know that AEDs are safe to use on young children under 8 years old and even infants.

Because young children and infants have such small and delicate systems, it is even more critical to get their heart restarted quickly. This will restore the flow of oxygenated blood around their body, supplying the brain and essential organ systems, limiting the damage to these systems. When a SCA occurs, it is up to bystanders to act if their life is to be saved. The first thing you must do is immediately call the emergency services, this will allow them to dispatch first responders and paramedics to your location without delay.

In addition the call taker will help you assess the child and if required they will explain how to start CPR. An AED — even if it has no paediatric setting — is the best chance for the patient to survive. The device cannot hurt the child and will not supply a shock unless it is required. Therefore, it cannot accidently shock a child or bystander. There are few things more tragic than a child passing away suddenly — but the wonderful thing is that there are ways you can help prevent this tragedy by simply acting quickly in an emergency by starting CPR and using an AED.

These devices are simple and effective — designed so that anyone can become a hero and save a life. If you would like to purchase an AED for your home, apartment building, school or day care, contact the team at DefibsPlus today. Based in Melbourne, we supply affordable, high-quality defibrillators throughout Australia and also offer bystander training through our HeartSmart program.

Together, we can save lives! Without prompt treatment CPR and defibrillation , sudden cardiac arrest is always fatal. While AEDs are manufactured with adults in mind, paediatric settings and pads adjust the energy level used, making them safe for young children who weigh less than 25 kilograms.

Paediatric electrode pads are for younger children less than 8 years. They are typically smaller and feature a different colour packaging than adult pads, and the instructions and pad placement illustrations will depict a small child or infant. For children 8 years and older, adult pads should be used. Make sure you display the AED so it is visible and accessible and ensure people know where it is.

Regardless of age, AEDs can be the difference between life and death when cardiac arrest occurs. Six studies addressed defibrillation dosages used. The algorithms used by AEDs had high sensitivity and specificity for pediatric arrhythmias and very rarely recommended a shock inappropriately. The energy doses delivered by AEDs were high, although in the range that have been used in out-of-hospital arrest.

Conclusions: In the absence of prompt defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, survival is unlikely.