When using AED pads on a child and you notice they touch each other, what adjustment should you make?

When using AED pads on a child, if you notice that the pads are touching each other, the appropriate adjustment is to use the anterior/posterior position. This positioning involves placing one pad on the chest (anterior) and the other pad on the back (posterior) of the child. This configuration prevents the pads from touching each other, ensuring that the AED can effectively deliver a shock if needed.

The anterior/posterior position is particularly beneficial for smaller patients, as it helps create a more effective electrical pathway for the shock, potentially increasing the chances of a successful defibrillation. This method also minimizes the risk of overheating the pads or causing unnecessary burns, which could occur if the pads are in close proximity to each other on the chest.

Using pads in the anterior/lateral position wouldn't solve the problem of them touching and could lead to ineffective shock delivery. Placing one pad on the abdomen would not provide sufficient coverage and may disrupt the intended electrical pathway, while removing one pad would also compromise the defibrillation process, making it less likely to be effective in restoring a normal heart rhythm. Therefore, opting for the anterior/posterior position is the best practice in this scenario.