Switching Between Adult and Paediatric Modes on Primedic AEDs
In the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), having immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can treat both adults and children is critical. While children (classed as individuals aged 1-8 for this context) are less likely to experience cardiac emergencies, preparation plays a key role in increasing survival rates.
Schools, sports clubs, and public facilities benefit from having lifesaving equipment on site, enabling responders to deliver prompt CPR and defibrillation during Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Primedic AEDs allow responders to switch between adult and paediatric modes, ensuring casualties of all ages receive appropriate care. This feature improves survival chances during cardiac emergencies, reducing any delays between assessing the casualty and delivering the appropriate shock treatment.
Why Adult and Child Mode Matters
Available at defibshop, the Primedic HeartSave (Y) Semi-Automatic and (YA) Fully Automatic defibrillators are designed for use on adults and children. This dual capability saves valuable time during an emergency, eliminating the need for separate devices.
Selecting the correct mode on these defibrillators is critical, as adults and children require different energy levels for defibrillation.
Adults typically require higher shock intensities due to their larger body mass and heart size, while children require lower energy levels.
When responding to Sudden Cardiac Arrest, every second counts. The ability to switch between adult and child mode means that any responder, trained or untrained, can provide lifesaving care.
Primedic AEDs are suited for several settings, including:
- Schools, universities and colleges: With large numbers of children and adults present, having an AED with dual adult/paediatric mode ensures that any students, staff or visitors can access lifesaving care.
- Sports clubs: Sports clubs welcome all ages. Whether it’s a child participating in a youth team or an adult playing recreationally, having an AED on hand is essential.
- Public facilities: Shopping centres, leisure facilities and airports regularly welcome large numbers, increasing the chances of emergencies.
How to Switch Between Adult and Paediatric Mode
Primedic HeartSave AEDs are designed for ease of use, enabling even untrained bystanders to assist during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
How to find the Adult and Paediatric button
Once you open the AEDs cover, you’ll see the On/Off switch, Language button, Shock button and the Child button on the dashboard.
After the defibrillator performs a self-test, select the patient category - Adult or Child.
Child Mode should be used for casualties younger than 8 or weighing less than 25kg. Otherwise, use the Adult Mode. The device will guide you with voice prompts to ensure correct usage until emergency services arrive.
- Primedic HeartSave Y Semi-Automatic
The Primedic HeartSave Y Semi-Automatic defibrillator will analyse the patient and prompt the responder to press the shock button. It is then up to the responder to initiate defibrillation by pressing the shock button.
- Primedic HeartSave YA Fully Automatic
The Primedic HeartSave YA Fully Automatic defibrillator will automatically shock the casualty if it detects an irregular heartbeat. This feature is useful for hesitant responders, as it removes the need to make critical decisions under pressure.
For detailed setup instructions, visit our blog on when and how to use Primedic defibrillators and refer to the Primedic user guide for clear, instructional diagrams.