Pediatric CPR Basics

In the U.S., approximately 16,000 children have out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. The majority of these instances happen due to asphyxiations, including choking, drowning and sudden infant death syndrome. CPR is a quick and safe means of preventing death from cardiac arrest.

 

Child and infant CPR have some similarities, but there are also distinct differences. Consider the anatomy of a child’s airway and neck when performing rescue breathing. In infants, rescue breathing and chest compressions must both be adapted.

 

The steps to CPR can be remembered as easily as the ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Defibrillation. Airway refers to the manner in which mouth-to-mouth is given to a child. In the case of infants, the rescuer’s mouth must cover both the baby’s mouth and nose in a tight seal.

 

Breathing refers to the method of keeping oxygen flowing to a child’s lungs. Breaths given in infant CPR are “puffs” of air as if blowing the air from your cheeks.

 

Circulation refers to keeping the blood flowing. In a child, the heel of one hand is used during compressions. In an infant, only two fingers are used to perform compressions just below the nipple line.

 

Contact SureFire CPR to learn more about Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, Stabilization (PEARS) and CPR.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

About the author

Zack-Zarrilli
I spent 15 years as a firefighter and paramedic...

And too often I would arrive on the scene of someone unconscious, surrounded by a circle of people feeling helpless. Sometimes those people would even have CPR training but lacked the confidence and experience to act.

That’s why I started SureFire CPR. Our classes are practical and engaging – teaching you the crucial skills you need to know what to do and feel empowered to take action.

Zack Zarrilli Signature
Zack Zarrilli, Founder

Related Posts

WAIT!

Know exactly what to do when tragedy strikes!

Get the Free Ultimate CPR Guide

Your info will never be passed on to third parties. Read our privacy party to learn how we keep your data safe.