When we look at First Aid, the age of a child is between 1 and 18 years of age, and an adult is classed as over 18 years of age.
However when a defib is being used on an unconscious casualty that is not breathing or not breathing normally, the age ranges change.
A child is now classed as being between 1 and 8 years old, and an adult is now classed at being over 8 years old.
This is all to do with where the pads are placed on the casualty.
On a casualty over 8 years old the pads are placed on the top right and middle left of the chest. The pads show pictures of where to place them.
The pad placement for a child, is placing one on the centre of the chest and one on the centre of the back.
Some defibs may have adult pads and also child pads. These will show the correct place to put them on the casualty.
However, if the defib only has adult pads with it, these can still be used on a child, but put on as shown in the pictures above, and NOT as the pictures show on the pads.
These defibs are shown to improve a casualty’s chance of survival. Don’t be afraid to use them if there is one available.
Contact MJD Training, for further information, or to book on one of our First Aid courses to increase your awareness, knowledge and confidence in techniques that could possibly save a life.