What is the common AED pad placement for an infant?

The common AED pad placement for an infant involves positioning the pads in a front-and-back configuration in the center of the chest. This technique is specifically designed to ensure that the electrical shock delivered by the AED can effectively traverse the heart. In infants, due to their smaller body size and unique anatomy, this placement allows for optimal conduction through the torso, maximizing the chances of successful defibrillation.

This method is also crucial because it minimizes the risk of pad overlap, which can occur if pads are placed side-by-side on the chest, potentially leading to less efficient delivery of the shock. Therefore, the front-and-back placement is the preferred and standard practice for AED use on infants, aligning with guidelines provided by health organizations for safe and effective emergency response.