New York State Department of Health Issues A Health Advisory On Proper Use of Automated External Defibrillators In Pediatric Emergency Care
Not All Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Pads Are Compatible with All AED Units
Health Advisory All Healthcare Facilities, Emergency Medical Services Agencies, and Public Access Defibrillation Providers
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 6, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health has issued a health advisory to all providers and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, regarding the proper use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equipment to ensure AED pads that are in use are compatible with AED units during pediatric emergency care.
"When delivering emergency care, especially to infants and children, it's vital for patient safety that EMS agencies and providers are sure all automated external defibrillator units have the correct, manufacturer recommended pads," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "It's important for responders and providers who use this equipment to take a moment to review operating manuals and understand certification limits to verify AED pads and units are compatible and being used properly during lifesaving interventions."
This advisory, which has been sent to all healthcare facilities, EMS agencies, and public access defibrillation providers, is being issued after the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) Pediatric Emergency Care (PEC) Council recently learned of several issues regarding AED pad incompatibility. This results in the inability to deliver appropriate lifesaving treatment across all age and weight ranges.
Key Points:
Zoll Pedi-pads: These defibrillation pads are not compatible with Zoll AED Plus units. The compatible defibrillation pads for these units are the Zoll Pedi-pads II.
Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15: Non-manufacturer recommended defibrillation pads do not support the necessary therapy for certain age and weight ranges and should not be used with LP-15 units for pediatric patients. As specified in the LP15 operating instructions, in AED mode, the LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator is not intended for use on pediatric patients less than 8 years old.
General Advisory: Some AEDs are accompanied by pediatric pads that are not suitable for AED use. These are usually marked with specific warnings on the packaging.
The use of the Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 (LP15) is of particular concern for certain EMS agencies in New York State that are utilizing this device in AED mode for children under the age of 8. It's important for emergency responders to be familiar with the limitations of the LP15 and they are encouraged to review the operator's manual and their certification limits to ensure proper use of equipment on young patients.
On November 29, 2021, the Massachusetts Office of EMS issued a statewide memorandum regarding this issue and shared it with the NASEMCO PEC Council. Subsequently, it was discovered the issue was occurring in several states.
The NASEMSO PEC Council is recommending state and regional EMS leadership share this information and remind all EMS, Fire and other public safety agencies to double check all monitors and AED units to ensure they have the correct manufacturer recommended pads stocked in all units.
