For whom should you use pediatric pads when using an AED?

Using pediatric pads when employing an AED is critical for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment for younger patients. Pediatric pads are specifically designed for children under 8 years of age or those weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kg) because they reduce the energy delivered during a shock, making it more appropriate for the smaller physiology of young children.

This is essential because children and infants have different cardiac and anatomical characteristics compared to adults, and delivering adult-sized shocks can be harmful. Pediatric pads are equipped with different algorithms to adjust for the child's size, which helps minimize the risk of adverse effects that could occur with inappropriate energy levels.

In contrast, using these pads for only infants or limiting it to specific weight parameters would not encompass all children under the appropriate age threshold. Additionally, there is no justification for using pediatric pads based on someone being underweight or being of advanced age, as their physiological needs differ substantially from those of children. Therefore, the proper use of pediatric pads is best defined by the age and weight criteria specified, hence making the first option the correct choice.