Therapy
4-20 LIFEPAK 20 Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions
PEDIATRIC DEFIBRILLATION
Pediatric paddles are part of the standard paddle set (refer to page 5-7).
Pediatric Paddle Placement
Pediatric paddles should be used for patients weighing less than 10 kg (22 lb) or for patients whose
chest size cannot accommodate the adult therapy electrodes.
Adult paddles are recommended if the paddles will fit completely on the patient’s chest. Allow at least
2.5 cm (1 in.) of space between the paddles.
For neonates with very small chests, pediatric paddles may be too large to place in the anterior-lateral
position. In this situation, place paddles in the anterior-posterior position. Holding the paddles against
the chest and back will support the patient on his/her side.
Do not use the pediatric paddles on adults or older children. Delivery of recommended adult energies
through this relatively small electrode surface increases the possibility of skin burns.
Anterior-Lateral
The following is the standard pediatric paddle placement (refer to Figure 4-3):
• Sternum paddle to the patient’s right upper torso, lateral to the sternum and below the clavicle.
• Apex paddle lateral to the patient’s left nipple in the midaxillary line, with the center of the paddle in
the midaxillary line if possible.
Figure 4-3 Anterior-lateral Paddle Position
Anterior-Posterior
Place the sternum paddle anteriorly over the left precordium and the apex paddle posteriorly behind
the heart in the infrascapular area (refer to Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4 Anterior-posterior Paddle Position
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