Using An AED On A Child

When a child becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, time is of the essence. Early defibrillation, combined with effective CPR, significantly improves the chances of survival. Using an AED on a child is both safe and straightforward. While the idea might seem intimidating at first, knowing what to do—and acting quickly—can save a life.

Initial Steps: Check, Call, and Respond

Begin by ensuring the area around the child is safe. Once it’s clear, approach the child and check for responsiveness. Call their name loudly and gently tap their shoulders. If there’s no response, open their airway and check for normal breathing. Limit this check to no more than 10 seconds.

If the child is not breathing or is breathing abnormally, immediately call 999 or 112 and request emergency assistance and an AED. Next, deliver five rescue breaths. Follow these with 30 chest compressions. Make sure you press down one-third the depth of the chest and maintain a steady rhythm—around 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which equates to roughly two compressions per second.

Continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the AED arrives. Once it does, move quickly to set it up and apply it.

Using An AED On A Child

When the AED arrives, turn it on without delay. The device will provide clear, spoken or visual instructions. Always follow these prompts carefully. Early defibrillation is critical. The sooner you begin, the better the child’s chances.

If the child is under 8 years old or weighs less than 25kg, activate the paediatric mode. Many AEDs have a child button or switch that adjusts the shock energy accordingly. Importantly, you do not need to switch pads—just adjust the setting.

However, if you’re using a model without a paediatric setting, use child-specific pads if available. These pads are designed to deliver a lower shock appropriate for smaller bodies. If only adult pads are available, you can still use them. Just adjust their placement: put one pad in the centre of the child’s chest and the other in the centre of their back.

For larger children who can accommodate adult pad placement, position one pad on the upper right side of the chest and the other on the lower left side of the ribcage.

Continue Care With Confidence

Once the pads are in place, the AED will begin analysing the heart rhythm. Announce clearly, “Everyone stand clear!” and ensure no one is touching the child. If the AED advises a shock, confirm everyone is clear and press the shock button if needed. Some devices will automatically deliver the shock.

Immediately after the shock, resume CPR starting with compressions. Continue to follow the AED’s prompts carefully. The device will monitor the heart rhythm and guide you on next steps.

Keep performing CPR until one of the following happens:

• The child starts breathing normally.
• Emergency services arrive and take over.
• A qualified healthcare professional tells you to stop.

Final Thoughts

Although many people worry about using defibrillators, it’s important to remember that using an AED on a child requires no specialised training. The devices are designed to be simple and intuitive. By acting quickly, following the AED’s prompts, and staying calm, you can make a life-saving difference.