What should be done after attaching AED pads to a child?

After attaching AED pads to a child, it is crucial to prepare to let the AED analyze the heart's rhythm. The AED is designed to assess whether the heart is in a shockable rhythm or not, which is essential for determining the next steps in treatment. The device will analyze the heart's activity and instruct the responder on whether a shock is needed.

This step is vital because delivering a shock without the AED's analysis could potentially harm the child if the heart rhythm is not suitable for defibrillation. The AED guides the rescuer to ensure that the process is safe and effective, allowing for the most appropriate intervention based on the child's condition.

Additionally, assessing for breathing or delivering an immediate shock would precede the analysis phase of the AED protocol, and leaving the child unattended is never appropriate in a situation where urgent care is required. Therefore, allowing the AED to analyze the heart’s rhythm is a critical part of the lifesaving measures when using automated external defibrillation in children.