How to Use an AED effectively can make a life-saving difference when an adolescent collapses and stops breathing normally. From the very first moment, quick action and confidence matter. In this context, an adolescent is defined as someone aged between 13 and 18 years old. Although the steps closely resemble adult resuscitation, there are a few important differences that you must follow carefully.
Immediate Actions and Calling for Help
Firstly, if you find an adolescent who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you must act without delay. Call 999 immediately and request an ambulance. If you are uncertain whether their breathing is normal, always treat the situation as though it is not. At the same time, place your phone on loudspeaker so the call handler can guide you step by step while you begin treatment.
Starting CPR Without Delay
Next, begin CPR straight away. In adolescents, cardiac arrest often follows breathing problems. Therefore, start with five rescue breaths before moving on to chest compressions. This approach helps deliver oxygen early, which is crucial in younger patients.
After the rescue breaths, begin chest compressions:
- Compress the chest to a depth of 5 to 6 cm
- Allow full chest recoil after each compression
- Maintain a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
Continue CPR using a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths. Meanwhile, if someone else is present, ask them to fetch an AED immediately. Importantly, you should not stop compressions while the AED is being brought to you.
How to Use an AED When It Arrives
As soon as the AED arrives, switch it on and follow the clear voice and visual prompts. This step is central to understanding How to Use an AED confidently, even if you have never done so before.
If the AED includes a paediatric mode or paediatric pads, use them. These settings reduce the shock energy to a level suitable for smaller bodies. However, if paediatric pads are not available, use the adult pads instead. Never delay defibrillation while searching for alternatives.
Correct Pad Placement and Safety
Before attaching the pads, make sure the adolescent’s chest is bare and dry. Then apply the pads as follows:
- One pad on the upper right side of the chest
- The second pad on the left side, below the armpit
This placement matches standard adult positioning and allows the AED to analyse the heart rhythm accurately.
When the AED announces “stand clear,” ensure that nobody is touching the adolescent. If a shock is advised, confirm everyone remains clear while the shock is delivered. Immediately afterwards, or if no shock is advised, restart chest compressions without hesitation.
Continuing Care Until Help Arrives
Continue CPR and follow AED prompts until:
- Professional help arrives and takes over
- The adolescent shows clear signs of life
- You become physically unable to continue
In summary, How to Use an AED on an adolescent is straightforward and safe. AEDs will only deliver a shock when it is necessary. Above all, early CPR and early defibrillation dramatically improve survival. Acting quickly, confidently, and without delay gives the adolescent the best possible chance of recovery.
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