What is the proper AED pad placement for infants?

The proper placement of AED pads for infants is in an anterior/posterior position. This means one pad is placed on the front of the infant's chest (anterior) and the other pad is placed on the back (posterior). This configuration is especially important for infants due to their smaller size and the unique anatomical considerations compared to adults and older children.

Using the anterior/posterior position helps to create a more effective electrical pathway for the shock delivered by the AED, ensuring that the shock passes through the heart. This method minimizes the risk of pad overlap and ensures that the shocks are administered effectively.

In this context, the anterior/lateral position, while beneficial in certain scenarios for older children and adults, is not appropriate for infants who are smaller and require specific positioning to ensure both safety and efficacy of the defibrillation process. Similarly, placing AED pads side-by-side on the chest does not provide the necessary coverage and effective conduction of the electrical shock. The anterior/abdominal position is also not recommended as it does not target the heart effectively. Therefore, the anterior/posterior pad placement is the recommended practice for infants in need of defibrillation.