When should child-sized pads be used for defibrillation?

Child-sized pads for defibrillation are specifically designed for use in infants and children who are under 8 years old. This age group typically has a smaller body surface area and different physiological characteristics compared to older children and adults, making it crucial to use pads that are appropriately sized to ensure effective and safe delivery of electrical shocks.

Using child-sized pads on younger patients helps to minimize the risk of injury and ensures that the defibrillation current is delivered appropriately to the heart. In contrast, using adult pads on younger patients could lead to excessive current delivery, which may cause serious harm.

In clinical practice, guidelines emphasize the importance of using the correct size of pads to enhance the effectiveness of defibrillation while reducing the risk of adverse effects. Therefore, for infants and children under 8 years old, child-sized pads are essential for maximizing the chances of a successful outcome during a cardiac emergency.