If an AED is needed for a child and only adult pads are available, how should pads be placed?

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Multiple Choice

If an AED is needed for a child and only adult pads are available, how should pads be placed?

Explanation:
The pads should be placed to send the shock through the heart, not just on the chest. Since adult pads are larger, placing both on the chest can cause improper current flow in a small child. Put one pad on the chest and the other on the back so the heart lies between them—an anterior-posterior (front-to-back) arrangement. For example, place one pad on the right upper chest just below the collarbone and the other pad on the back between the shoulder blades. This “sandwiches” the heart and allows the electrical current to pass through it effectively.

The pads should be placed to send the shock through the heart, not just on the chest. Since adult pads are larger, placing both on the chest can cause improper current flow in a small child. Put one pad on the chest and the other on the back so the heart lies between them—an anterior-posterior (front-to-back) arrangement. For example, place one pad on the right upper chest just below the collarbone and the other pad on the back between the shoulder blades. This “sandwiches” the heart and allows the electrical current to pass through it effectively.

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