Make a Splash with the 2025 Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test – Dive into Success!

The appropriate placement of AED pads on a small child or infant, where there is a risk that they may touch each other, is to place one pad in the middle of the chest and the other on the back. This method is known as the anterior-posterior placement.

This placement is effective because it allows for the delivery of an electrical shock through the heart without the pads coming into contact with each other. When pads touch, it can create a situation where the shock may not be delivered as intended, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the defibrillation process. By ensuring one pad is on the chest and the other on the back, the electrical current is still able to travel through the heart while minimizing the risk of pad interference.

For very small individuals, such as infants, this method not only adheres to safety protocols but also ensures that the AED is operating optimally for their unique body size and shape.