Automated External Defibrillators
An automatic external defibrillator is used to restart a heart that is pumping with an ineffective rhythm that does not adequately circulate blood. In most cases AEDs come equipped with defibrillator electrode pads made just for children, but not always.
To address a few concerns, the following is a recent statement to our first-responders on the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for children.
Iridia supports the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in the pediatric population.
The following recommendations are provided for First-Responder Services with AED programs and are consistent with the current Heart and Stroke Foundation guidelines:
- AEDs equipped with pediatric dose attenuator and pads should be used on children (aged 1-8) and infants (less than 1 year) with no signs of life
- Pads should be placed in the standard anterior-apex position or in the anterior-posterior position
- Should pediatric dose attenuator and pads not be immediately available, adult pads may be used on both children and infants with no signs of life.
For more information on AEDs and their use, please visit our website.
Dr. Allan Holmes
Medical Director, Iridia