AED Child Pad Picker
Age and weight to pediatric or adult AED pads.
What it does
Defibrillator pads come in two energies, and small bodies need the smaller one. Pediatric attenuated pads fit under-8s and under-55-pound patients; adult pads serve everyone else. Age or weight triggers the small set.
The tool above takes age and weight in either system and picks pads with the rule stated. It also reminds rescuers to attach, follow prompts, and keep compressing between analyses.
Heart Association resuscitation guidance with Red Cross training materials carry this under-8 or 55-lb attenuator line. Adult pads substitute when pediatric ones are missing; delays kill more surely than wrong-size pads.
Call first, compress fast, shock when advised. Clear loudly before analysis, resume compressions the instant it ends, and rotate rescuers before fatigue softens depth.
How to use
- Pick imperial (lb) or metric (kg).
- Enter age in years.
- Enter weight.
- Read pediatric or adult pads.
- Attach and follow prompts.
- Continue CPR between analyses.
Formula
- age
- Age in years, 0 to 120.
- weight
- Weight in lb (kg metric, converted).
US guidance uses 8 years or 25 kg (55 lb) as the attenuator line with either criterion triggering pediatric pads. Adult pads substitute when pediatric ones are missing; never delay defibrillation.
Worked example
Example: 6 yr, 44 lb
6-year-old weighing 44 lb in arrest.
- Child is 6 years old, 44 lb.
- Rule: under 8 years or 55 lb means pediatric.
- 44 lb sits under 55: pediatric pads.
- Attach, follow prompts, continue CPR.
- Resume compressions between analyses.
Reference table
| Patient | Pads | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 yr | Pediatric | Attenuated energy |
| Under 55 lb | Pediatric | Either line triggers |
| 8 yr and 55 lb up | Adult | Standard energy |
| No small pads | Adult | Never delay shock |
Limits
- Screening aid, not medical direction.
- Void if local protocol differs.
- Trained rescuers perform best.
- Call emergency services first, always.
Common mistakes
- Delaying shocks hunting small pads.
- Placing pads over patches or devices.
- Touching during analysis.
- Stopping compressions too long.
- Skipping the call for help.
Try it yourself
Quick checks. Answers sit tucked under each question.
10 yr, 77 lb?
10 years and 77 lb clear both lines: Adult pads. Attach and continue CPR.
5 yr, 66 lb?
5 years sits under 8 regardless of 66 lb: Pediatric pads.
Questions
Pediatric or adult pads?
Pediatric pads (with attenuator) under 8 years old or 55 lb; adult pads at and above. Either beats waiting when pediatric pads are missing.
Where do pads go?
Upper right chest and lower left side, clear of nipples, medication patches, and implanted devices. Shave wet or hairy chests fast.
Who touches during analysis?
No one touches during analysis or shock. Loudly clear the patient, deliver, then resume compressions immediately.
Do infants use AEDs?
Yes, with pediatric pads preferred and adult pads acceptable when small ones are missing. Never delay for pad shopping.
What ruins pad contact?
Dry the chest, shave heavy hair fast, and remove patches. Sweat and hair break contact and burn skin.
What comes with the AED?
Call emergency services, start compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, send for the AED, and rotate rescuers every 2 minutes.