If child or infant pads are not available, what should you do?

• A. Use adult pads
• B. Use pads on back
• C. Do not use pads
• D. Use pads from another patient

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that action should not be delayed for the right pads when pediatric-specific pads aren’t available. If child or infant pads aren’t on hand, adult AED pads can be used as a backup to deliver a shock if the rhythm requires it. This keeps defibrillation timely, which is crucial for a child or infant in cardiac arrest. Follow the device’s pad-placement guidance, ensuring the pads don’t interfere with each other and avoiding cross-contamination by not using pads from another patient.