
The ratio of compressions to rescue breaths, 30:2, is the same for children as for adults. The depth of compressions should be only one and a half inches. When providing chest compressions, use one or two hands, depending on the size of the child.

Because a child’s airway is more fragile than an adult’s, use caution when providing rescue breaths and be careful not to tilt the head back too far. If you’re the only person around and you need to make a choice between starting CPR and dialing 911, go for the CPR! Typically, children are more resilient than adults and their chances of survival are much higher if you begin CPR immediately.Īfter two minutes of CPR with rescue breaths, call 911. Pediatric resuscitation protocols apply to infants less than 1 year of age and children up to the age of puberty or those weighing less than 121 pounds ( Merck Manuals).Īlthough CPR for children is very similar to adult CPR, rescuers should start CPR before calling 911.

According to the American Red Cross, you may use an AED configured for an adult if pediatric settings or pads are not available. If an AED is available, apply pediatric pads and use it after five cycles of CPR. Compressions should be about an inch and a half deep at a rate of 30 compressions to two rescue breaths. When providing compressions, use two fingers at the center of the baby’s chest. Instead, use your cheeks and puff air into the infant’s mouth and nose.
Compression to ventilation ratio full#
When providing rescue breaths to an infant, gently tilt the head so that the baby’s nose appears to be sniffing the air - this is known as the “sniffing position.” Do not tip the head back too far! Be very gentle when providing rescue breathing don’t use the full force of your lungs to expel air. Of course, if there’s another person at the scene, ask them to call.Ĭheck for a pulse on the inside of the upper arm and begin CPR immediately if you’re not able to detect a pulse. Do not shake the baby instead, shout and tap or flick the soles of the infant’s feet.Īs with older children, you’ll want to begin CPR on an infant before calling 911. First, confirm that the baby is unconscious. Although a baby’s bones are more flexible, they’re also much more delicate. Great care should be taken when performing CPR on an infant. If you are CPR-certified, remember to use the ratio of 30 compressions to two rescue breaths. The compression depth for adults should be at least two inches and the chest should recoil completely between compressions. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If you’re not CPR-certified, a 911 operator can guide you through hands-only CPR. Check for a pulse and then begin CPR with chest compressions. If you’re ever called upon to perform CPR on an adult, call 911 immediately before starting CPR. Rapid Activation of the Emergency Response SystemĪn Overview of the Three Different Types of CPR The Pediatric Chain of Survival consists of: Only after performing CPR for a full two minutes should the rescuer then call 911. This is because children are more likely to suffer from SCA caused by an obstructed airway or shock, so it’s important to be able to recognize and prevent respiratory problems or cardiac arrest before they occur.

Unlike the adult Chain of Survival, which begins with early recognition and call for emergency assistance, the pediatric Chain of Survival dictates that high-quality CPR start immediately. The Pediatric Chain of Survival is a sequence of events this is most likely to save the life of a young victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). In fact, if adult CPR is performed on a child, it could do more harm than good.Įarlier this month, we discussed Why the Chain of Survival is So Important, and in this post, we’ll cover not only the differences between adult and pediatric CPR, but also the differences in the Chain of Survival for adults and children.

Although all of us here at AED.com hope that you’ll never be called upon to perform CPR on a child, it’s important to understand the very significant differences between the three types of CPR.īecause a child’s physiology, musculature, bone density, and strength are different from an adult’s, CPR is performed differently. We’re the first to admit that the idea of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant or child is pretty scary.
