An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device found in several public and private places, including homes, schools, and hospitals. An AED can help resuscitate the body if a patient has issues with normal heart rhythms. Several people, including children, can benefit from this medical device. But, it’s crucial to use it correctly on kids to avoid serious risks.
Here are three guidelines to help you use AEDs on children safely:
Observe Proper Placement
The proper location to place AED pads on a child is crucial. It's because children tend to have smaller-sized bodies than adults. Also, consider using pediatric pads if the patient is less than eight years old.
After following the basic instructions of the AED, place the pediatric pads on the child’s front and back. Place one pad at the center of the chest, and the other pad at the center of the back.
Roll the child to place the pads in the correct locations if you’re having difficulties putting the material in the correct areas. However, ensure that you do this step carefully. Don’t jolt or frisk the kid as you roll or you risk adding extra complications to the situation.
But, don’t waste too much time rolling the child either. Remember, the use of AEDs tend to happen during dire and life-threatening situations. Therefore, observe proper pad placement, but apply the material quickly and efficiently.
After you secure the pads, you may now use the AED as normal. Also, follow the voice prompts on the device (if it has this feature) while continuing to resuscitate the kid until professional medical help arrives.
Secure The Wi-Fi Network
AEDs are blessings that may help save and preserve many children’s lives. But, some of these models tend to connect to the Internet, which means they’re susceptible to cyberattacks.
The last thing you’d want is for hackers to ruin the efficiency of an AED, making the device inefficient or inoperable during dire situations. Therefore, it’s crucial to secure the wireless network to ensure the safe operation of this medical device.
Start by using a strong and complicated router password. Don’t use relatively obvious passwords, like your birthday or phone number. Instead, use a combination of alphanumeric symbols to help improve wireless security.
Also, consider changing the password frequently. If the area has lots of traffic, such that people tend to connect to the wireless network regularly, change the password at least once every month. Increase the frequency if you’re living with a child at risk of cardiac imbalances.
You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) to mask the Internet protocol (IP) address of the devices connected to the wireless network. VPN services hide the location of the AED and other connected devices from the prying eyes of hackers. In return, you can achieve peace, knowing that you can safely use the medical device when needed.
Follow User Safety Precautions
Safety precautions might be ineffective if the AED user doesn't follow safety protocols. For instance, note that the device is delivering electric shocks to the patient. Therefore, the risk of a spark will always be present during use.
Don’t use an AED in an explosive environment. Moreover, ensure that your hands aren’t damp or wet during the operation. You can wear rubber gloves while resuscitating the child to reduce this risk.
Also, consider wearing any grounding material. The object can be anything from a rubber bracelet to a plastic scrunchy worn on the wrist. Wearing the grounding item can significantly reduce the travel of electric pulses from the device to you as the user.
Furthermore, keep in mind that children collapsing because of cardiac imbalances can cause a scene. People tend to flock at the incident area to take a look out of curiosity or interest. However, always remember to use an AED in a relatively open space. No one should be close to the victim, but only the people who know correct AED usage. Otherwise, the electric shocks may travel from the casualty’s body to nearby individuals.
Don’t be shy or afraid to shout at people to stay back. Ensure that you have a relatively wide space before operating the AED to avoid additional casualties.
Conclusion
Don’t disregard the need for an AED in public or private spaces to help save a child’s life. Also, using the device correctly is of the essence as it can improve the chances of resuscitating the little one from a cardiac imbalance or failure. Proper and safe use can also help protect the device’s user and nearby individuals from potential harm. Let the guidelines posted in this article help you save a child’s life the right way and without causing additional casualties.
Matthew Phillips
Matthew Phillips is a successful blogger who has worked with countless websites throughout the years. Matthew regularly collaborates with these websites to publish his content online.
