Child CPR
CPR is the same for children. But their are some minor differences
to be aware of.
• Smaller lung capacity. (give less of a breath for smaller
people, only enough breath to make the chest rise)
• If pulse is less then 60bpm. (if a child has a pulse of
60bpm or less, ignore the pulse and begin CPR) With adults any
pulse is acceptable.
• When calling for help. Children in most cases are
unresponsive due to a respiratory issue. So if you alone with that
child start your steps of CPR and continue with 5 cycles. After
your 5 cycles are complete call for help. (remember 5 cycles is
averaged out to about 2 minutes, so help the child for about 2 minutes
then call for help)
• Compression depth is different. Compress at 1/2 the depth
of the chest. (this is not 1/2 an inch, this is 1/2 the depth of
the child's chest, we are actually going deeper with compressions on
children then adults) (children are still developing and are less
likely to have there bones broken)
• 1 hand CPR is optional for children. Use 2 hands if you're
tired or losing effectiveness.
The new motto for the American Heart Association is FASTER AND DEEPER.
This is what the American Heart Association describes children as.
• Girls with breast development.
• Boys with underarm hair.
Here's what my suggestion is.
Look at the size of the child. If that child is less than 100lbs
treat them like a child. If the child is more then 100lbs treat
them more like an adult. A good example would be a 6 year old that
weights 120lbs. This child has an adult size body and will most
likely have adult type issues.
1) Check for response
2) Activate emergency response and call for AED (remember if your
alone call after 5 cycles)
3) Open airway using head tilt-chin lift
4) Check for breathing for (5 to 10 seconds)
5) Give 2 breaths (look to see if check is rising)
6) Check pulse for (5 to 10 seconds)
7) Begin chest compressions
30 compressions and two breaths for 5 cycles. This averages about
2 minute's time. After you 5 cycles are complete, you are to
reassess the victim and determine if more CPR is needed.
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