When to Use Pediatric Paddles?

Children’s Paddles: An Overview

Children’s paddles are essential in medical situations where children are present, such as a defibrillator or cardioverter.

Normally, the adult size paddles are made for adults, but the pediatric size of paddles makes it ideal for smaller patients that are both safe and effective.

When and how to apply them is essential for any clinician involved in emergency or pediatric care.

This post covers which circumstances a pediatric paddle is required in, how to know when it is appropriate, and why pediatric resuscitation is so important.

What Are Pediatric Paddles?

Pediatric paddles are smaller defibrillator electrodes meant to be used with babies and children.

These paddles ensure proper contact with the wall of the chest so that no burns or poor energy delivery happen during resuscitation.

When to Use Pediatric Paddles

1. For Kids Who Are Under a Certain Weight or Age

Paddles are recommended for:

• Children 12 and under.
• Less than 10 kg (22 lbs.)
• Children under 8 years of age.

Size and weight of the patient also play a part in whether or not to use the pediatric paddles, since traditional paddles don’t conform well to small bodies.

2. During Defibrillation for Cardiac Arrest

Defibrillation is a lifesaving procedure that’s used to stop heartbeat irregularities such as VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Use child paddles to deliver the appropriate amount of energy for the child’s age and weight.

Energy Dosage Guidelines for Pediatrics:

• First shock: 2 joules per kg body weight.
• After shocks: 4 joules per kg of body weight.

Pediatric paddles deliver energy in a precise manner that is essential for repairing normal heart rhythms without injury.

3. During Cardioversion

Cardioversion is applied to children who have tachyarrhythmias like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Children’s paddles are needed for this process so the energy level is maintained and there is no confusion.

Key Considerations:

• Adequate placement of paddle (anterior-posterior or anterior-lateral).
• Sizing the energy dose as per the weight of the child.

4. In Cases of Sudden Infant Cardiac Arrest

Infant sudden cardiac arrest is rare but may occur from birth because of a heart defect, respiratory problems, or trauma.

Paddles for children also help clinicians respond to a patient with immediate, controlled defibrillation.

5. During Neonatal and Pediatric Resuscitation

At the hospital, pediatric paddles are part of the Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS) plan when saving the life of sick or incapacitated children.

Scenarios Include:

• Persistent bradycardia despite ventilation.
• Pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
• Drowsing or suffocation, with emergency airways.

When Should You Use Pediatric Paddles & Not Adult Paddles?

1. Size Matters

Adult paddles are too big for babies and very young children and make it difficult to get enough skin contact and transfer energy.

Paddles for kids make the right fit and deliver energy.

2. Preventing Skin Burns

Less big paddles spread the force over the child’s chest and eliminate thermal burns.

3. Accurate Energy Transfer

The hearts of children are smaller and more tender.

Paddles for children provide you with exact energy regulation so you don’t overtax their heart or damage it more.

What to Do with Pediatric Paddles

Assess the Patient

• Confirm weight and age to see if they require kid paddles.
• Assess cardiac function with an ECG machine.

Place the Paddles Properly

• Do it anterior-posterior, in the position of babies: paddle on the chest and back.
• For more advanced children, you can do this in the anterior-lateral position: paddle on the right clavicle and one on the left lower rib cage.

Select the Correct Energy Level

Consult pediatric resuscitation recommendations for the appropriate joules per kg.

Monitor the Procedure

• Make sure the paddles are in good place and the energy is redirected.
• Notice how the child responds to the shock, and correct as needed.

Alternatives to Pediatric Paddles

1. Pediatric Defibrillator Pads

Occasionally, you’ll also see adhesive pediatric defibrillator pads to use in place of paddles.

They’re also easier to apply in stressful conditions and already pre-sized for infants and toddlers.

Benefits:

• Faster application.
• Reduced movement during shocks.
• Minimized risk of paddle displacement.

2. Pediatric-Style AEDs with Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

The new AEDs often have a pediatric setting or adapter to provide kids with the right energy.

They are especially handy when you aren’t in a hospital like a school or sports arena.

Special Considerations

• Calculate Energy from Weight: Always use the child’s body weight for energy calculation. Don’t guess, to not overdo it or underdo it.
• Formation: Make sure all caregivers are taught about pediatric resuscitation and how to use pediatric paddles.
• Keep Equipment Up To Date: Ensure the defibrillator and paddles remain functional and compatible with pediatric patients at regular intervals.

Conclusion

Paddles for children are part of a complete newborn and toddler resuscitation system.

Their precise architecture allows the correct distribution of energy, which lowers the risk and enhances outcomes in life-threatening heart attacks.

When doctors learn when and how to use pediatric paddles, their smallest patients will be well-cared for in a safe and efficient way.

If a child has an emergency, it takes only a moment of enlightened decision-making – and pediatric paddles save lives.