Question

You are at a local elementary school at an event, off duty, when a child collapses in sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is available, but it does not have pediatric patches, what should you do?

1) Continue to use the AED without pediatric patches
2) Perform CPR until medical help arrives
3) Wait for medical help to arrive
4) Find an alternative method to treat the child

Answer 1

Use the available AED without pediatric patches and perform CPR. AEDs are designed for use by laypersons and to be safe and effective. CPR provides vital blood flow before using an AED.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a child collapses in sudden cardiac arrest and only an AED without pediatric patches is available, the recommended action would be to continue to use the AED without pediatric patches while also performing CPR. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be used by laypersons and provide verbal instructions. They automatically diagnose the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary. AEDs are designed to be safe and effective even without pediatric pads. Nonetheless, it is essential to perform CPR until medical help arrives.

Prior to AED use, CPR can provide vital blood flow to the heart and brain, potentially improving the patient's outcome following defibrillation. It is crucial, however, to follow any specific instructions provided by the AED during the resuscitation attempt.