Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When defibrillating a 6-month-old infant, which of the following should you remember?

1. External defibrillation is preferred

2. A manual defibrillator is preferred

3. Defibrillation should not be attempted

4. Infants require a higher joule setting

The correct answer is: A manual defibrillator is preferred

When defibrillating a 6-month-old infant, using a manual defibrillator is preferred because it allows for careful monitoring and adjustment of energy levels based on the infant's specific condition. Manual defibrillators enable EMTs to assess the heart rhythm in real time and determine the appropriate intervention. Infants, due to their small size and delicate physiology, may respond differently to defibrillation than adults. Manual defibrillators also give the additional advantage of delivering lower joule settings, which are more appropriate for the fragile circulatory systems of infants. This helps minimize the risk of injury and maximizes the chances of successful defibrillation. In contrast, external defibrillation, while possibly life-saving, does not allow the level of precision needed for an infant. It also tends to use standard adult joule settings, which may be too high for small patients. The idea that defibrillation should not be attempted is incorrect; while it is true that emergency medical professionals must be cautious, appropriate action is necessary during life-threatening arrhythmias. Lastly, infants do not require higher joule settings; they actually require lower settings tailored to their size and situation.