What should be done if the AED pads risk touching each other during placement on a child?

When using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a child, it is critical to properly place the pads to ensure effective delivery of the shock if needed. If the pads risk touching each other, repositioning them to prevent contact is essential for a few reasons.

First, if the pads touch, the electrical current may not effectively travel through the heart muscle, which could reduce the chances of successful defibrillation. The placement of pads is strategically designed to allow the current to flow correctly, enhancing the effectiveness of the shock delivered to the heart.

Secondly, ensuring that the pads are adequately spaced apart helps maintain safety for both the patient and the rescuer. Proper distancing minimizes the risk of creating unintended pathways for the electrical shock, which is critical when handling life-threatening situations.

Using an adult model AED or only one pad would not be appropriate, as adult AEDs are designed to work with larger body surfaces and may not deliver an appropriate shock to a child's heart. Similarly, turning the child on their side would not be beneficial in this context and could potentially complicate the defibrillation process. Thus, repositioning the pads to avoid contact is the most effective and safest course of action.