Final answer:
CPR can be used on persons of any age while AED use for children under 8 or below 55 pounds is not typically advised due to the risk of high-energy shocks. Pediatric-specific equipment, if available, can be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
The age requirements for the use of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on children vary based on physiological differences inherent with age. CPR is a life-saving technique that helps maintain blood flow to the brain and heart in emergency situations, and can be used on persons of any age, though how it is implemented changes based on the age and size of the individual.
On the other hand, using an AED for children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds is usually not recommended unless pediatric-specific equipment is available. This is due to the risk of high-energy shocks that could damage a young child’s smaller and more sensitive heart muscles. AEDs are designed to analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver a potentially life-saving electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm, which can be crucial in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. It's recommended to perform CPR before using an AED until the device is ready.
The normal respiratory rate of a child decreases from birth to adolescence, which directly impacts how these interventions should be carried out.
Learn more about CPR and AED age requirements