Resuscitation of children
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CPR for Children and Infants: Why Acting Matters More Than Fear
Having to resuscitate a child or infant can be one of the most distressing situations anyone may face. Sadly, many children do not receive life-saving CPR because bystanders fear causing harm, especially if they are not specifically trained in paediatric resuscitation.
This fear is unfounded. It is always far better to act than to do nothing.
Using the Adult BLS Sequence on Children
For ease of learning and retention, lay rescuers are taught that the adult Basic Life Support (BLS) sequence can be used for children who are unresponsive and not breathing normally.
If you are unsure, follow the adult sequence. Doing something will always give the child a better chance of survival than doing nothing at all.
Chest Compression Depth and Technique
When delivering chest compressions to children and infants, the recommended depth is:
At least one-third of the depth of the chest
Hand Position by Age Group
- Infants (under 1 year): Use two thumbs with the wrap-around technique
- Children (1–12 years): Use one or two hands, depending on the size of the child
- Adolescents (13–18 years): Use two hands, as you would for an adult
Whether you use one hand or two on a child is up to you. The outcome is the same. Choose the technique that feels safest, most comfortable, and best suited to the child’s size.
The Impact of CPR on Survival
What you do — or don’t do — has a huge impact on survival.
- No CPR: Survival rate of approximately 4.3%
- Chest compressions only: Survival rate of around 7.7%
- Full CPR (compressions and breaths): Survival rate increases to 13.6%
These figures clearly show that early action saves lives.
Delivering Rescue Breaths
When giving rescue breaths:
- Deliver each breath over about one second
- Give just enough air to see the chest rise
The maximum time between the last compression and the first compression of the next cycle should be no more than 10 seconds — and ideally much less.
This minimises interruptions to chest compressions and helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.
Key Message to Remember
You do not need to be perfect to save a life.
Fear of causing harm should never stop you from acting. Using the adult BLS sequence on a child or infant is far safer than doing nothing. Early CPR, even if it is not textbook-perfect, dramatically improves a child’s chance of survival.
Act quickly. Act confidently. Your actions could save a young life.
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