What should be done if child AED pads are not available?

Using adult pads on a child in an emergency situation is appropriate when child-specific pads are not available. The key is to ensure that the pads do not touch each other when placed on the child’s chest and back. This is important because touching pads can cause the electrical current from the AED to diffuse, reducing its effectiveness in delivering a shock that can restore a normal heart rhythm.

In situations where only adult pads are available, placing them appropriately can still deliver the necessary therapeutic shock, as the pads will conduct the current through the body, potentially saving a life. It is critical to act quickly in a cardiac emergency, and using adult pads is preferable to waiting for child pads to arrive, as immediate action is often crucial in these scenarios.