Are AEDs required to have pediatric sized pad capability?
Since 2000, Automated External Defibrillators have been released with pediatric sized pads. Older AED devices have not been compatible with pediatric pads so many AEDs on the street are technically for adults only. It is appropriate to use any AED on a child as long as the pads do not touch each other, meaning adult sized pads will work on many children. That being said as new AEDs are purchased for new deployments or to retire the old adult only devices, pediatric capable devices with both adult and pediatric pads should be purchased.
