What should you use on an infant or child less than 8 years old if a pediatric AED is not available?

Using an adult AED on an infant or child under the age of 8 is appropriate when a pediatric AED is not available. Adult AEDs are designed to deliver a shock that can still be effective for children, as the underlying principle of defibrillation remains the same regardless of the patient's age.

In practice, it is crucial to ensure that the AED pads are placed correctly, avoiding positioning that would cause the pads to touch or overlap, especially since children have smaller chests. Adult pads can typically be used due to the safety features of the AED, which adjust the shock delivery as needed based on the patient's heart rhythm.

This choice underscores the importance of using available resources to respond to life-threatening emergencies effectively, even if they are not specifically tailored for pediatric use. It is critical to remember that immediate defibrillation can significantly increase the likelihood of survival in cases of cardiac arrest, taking priority over the ideal scenario of having a pediatric AED on hand.