Everything You Need to Know About Adult and Child CPR - post

CPR training is essential for anyone, from #healthcare professionals to #parents, #teachers, and workplace employees. Cardiac arrest can occur at any time, and the chances of survival decrease by 7-10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), immediate CPR can double or even triple survival rates in some cases.

CPR Basics for All Age Groups by ChildCareEd

CPR consists of three critical components, often remembered as the CAB method:

• Chest Compressions

• Airway Opening

• Breathing (Rescue Breaths)

While the fundamental steps remain the same, techniques differ based on the age and size of the patient.

Adult CPR (Ages 8 and Up)

When to Perform CPR

• The person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping.

• The person has no pulse.

• Cardiac arrest is suspected due to drowning, heart attack, choking, or trauma.

How to Perform Adult CPR

• Check for Responsiveness – Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?” If no response, call 911 and get an AED if available.

• Open the Airway – Place the person on a flat surface, tilt the head back, and lift the chin.

• Check for Breathing – Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

• Begin Chest Compressions –

  • Place hands in the center of the chest.

  • Push hard and fast (at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute).

• Provide Rescue Breaths –

  • Pinch the nose shut, make a complete seal over the person’s mouth, and give two breaths (each lasting about 1 second).

  • Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until professional help arrives.

Using an AED on an Adult

• Turn on the AED and follow voice prompts.

• Apply the pads to the person’s bare chest as directed.

• Allow the AED to analyze and deliver a shock if needed.

• Continue CPR until #emergency responders arrive.

Child CPR (Ages 1-8)

Key Differences from Adult CPR

• Chest compressions should be about 2 inches deep (not as forceful as adult CPR).

• You may use one or two hands for compressions depending on the child’s size.

• If you are alone, perform CPR for 2 minutes before calling 911.

How to Perform Child CPR

• Check for Responsiveness – Tap the child and call their name.

• Call for Help – If alone, perform CPR for 2 minutes before calling 911.

• Perform Chest Compressions –

  • Use one or two hands for compressions.

  • Press down about 2 inches deep.

  • Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

• Provide Rescue Breaths –

  • Tilt the head slightly back to open the airway.

  • Give two breaths, ensuring chest rise.

  • Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

Using an AED on a Child

• Use pediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads but ensure they don’t overlap.

• Follow AED prompts and continue CPR as needed.

 References

• American Heart Association (AHA). "CPR Guidelines." www.heart.org
• American Red Cross. "CPR/AED Certification." www.redcross.org
• National Safety Council (NSC). "First Aid & CPR Training." www.nsc.org
• Mayo Clinic. "CPR: First Aid." www.mayoclinic.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Emergency Response." www. #cdc.gov