What should be done if pediatric pads are not available during defibrillation?

When pediatric pads are not available for defibrillation in a pediatric patient, it is appropriate to use adult pads, ensuring that they do not touch each other on the child's smaller chest. Using adult pads can still effectively deliver the required electric shock while ensuring patient safety. The pads should be placed appropriately, typically with one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side, creating an efficient pathway for the electric current.

This approach is endorsed by resuscitation guidelines because while pediatric pads are designed for smaller bodies and lower energy levels, adult pads can still facilitate defibrillation in an emergency. The important consideration is to avoid overlapping the pads, which can decrease the effectiveness of the defibrillation and potentially lead to burns or other complications.

Delaying resuscitation or switching to manual CPR only would significantly hinder the chance of a successful outcome, as defibrillation is a crucial step in treating certain types of arrhythmias, particularly in a scenario of cardiac arrest.