What is true regarding the use of AEDs on infants older than 28 days?

The use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on infants older than 28 days is supported by current guidelines in emergency care. These guidelines recognize that infants over 28 days old can experience cardiac arrest and that timely defibrillation can be critical for survival.

Using an AED on these infants is encouraged as long as the device is equipped with pediatric pads or dose-reducing features, since this reduces the risk of injury due to inappropriate energy levels being used. It’s essential for responders to assess the situation and act quickly, ensuring that life-saving measures are initiated without hesitation.

Infants younger than 28 days have a different physiological profile, and specific recommendations advise against using AEDs for them due to the unique medical considerations associated with newborns. Thus, the choice to only use AEDs on children over a year or the blanket prohibition for all infants does not align with best practices in emergency response.