chapter 8 : Child CPR

Usually a child’s heart stops because of a breathing emergency. For this reason, giving breaths with compressions is very important for children.

Video Demonstration

Adult CPR

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When responding to a child in a CPR emergency follow the same steps for compressions, airway and breathing as detailed for adults. Listed below are the EXCEPTIONS for child CPR.

1. Perform CPR First (for children and infants) – Call 9-1-1 AFTER you have given 5 sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
2. Compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, between the nipples. You may not need to use the second hand, unless needed for proper compression. As in adult CPR, compress / push down hard and fast at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

3. Airway and breaths techniques are the same as for an adult.