When using an AED on a child, what type of pads should be used?

Using pediatric pads when applying an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on a child is crucial for effective and safe electrical therapy. Pediatric pads are specifically designed to deliver a reduced energy shock appropriate for smaller body sizes, which is important because children have different physiological characteristics compared to adults. The energy levels must be lower to minimize the risk of injury and to ensure the best chance of successful defibrillation.

Pediatric pads typically have a different design and sometimes include specific instructions for placement to accommodate a child's size and shape. They are also often marked with age or weight guidelines to help the responder make the right choice based on the child's physical attributes.

Using adult pads on a child can pose significant risks, including potential harm from delivering too high of a shock, which may not only be ineffective but could also lead to serious injury. Similarly, infant pads are designed for even smaller children and would not provide adequate coverage or appropriate voltage for a child. Standard pads is a vague term that may encompass various types of pads, but they do not specifically address the unique requirements of pediatric defibrillation.