What is Pediatric Basic CPR?
Pediatric Basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when a child’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Situations such as
drowning,
choking, or severe
asthma attacks may warrant the use of CPR. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives.
When Should Pediatric CPR be Performed?
CPR should be initiated when a child is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (e.g., only gasping). It is essential to assess the situation quickly and call for emergency medical services before starting CPR.
How to Perform Pediatric CPR?
The steps to perform CPR on a child (1 year to puberty) are slightly different than for adults. Here are the key steps:
1. Check Responsiveness: Tap and shout to see if the child responds.
2. Call for Help: If no response, call for emergency services. If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling for help.
3. Open the Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin.
4. Check Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Chest Compressions: Place one or both hands in the center of the chest and compress 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
6. Rescue Breaths: Give 2 breaths, each over 1 second, ensuring the chest rises.
7. Continue CPR: Keep alternating 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the child starts to breathe.
Infant CPR (Under 1 year)
For infants, the process is slightly modified:1. Check Responsiveness: Tap the foot and shout to see if the baby responds.
2. Call for Help: If no response, call for emergency services. If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling for help.
3. Open the Airway: Place the baby on their back and slightly tilt the head.
4. Check Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Chest Compressions: Use 2 fingers in the center of the chest, compress 1.5 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
6. Rescue Breaths: Cover the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give 2 gentle breaths, each over 1 second.
7. Continue CPR: Keep alternating 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the baby starts to breathe.
Special Considerations
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Use pediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads but ensure they do not touch each other.
- Choking: If the child is choking, deliver back blows and chest thrusts for infants, or abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for older children.
- Drowning: Begin CPR immediately if the child has been pulled from the water and is not breathing.Why is Pediatric CPR Different from Adult CPR?
Children have smaller, more flexible bodies, and their cardiovascular and respiratory systems respond differently to physical interventions. The compression depth and force must be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the causes of cardiac arrest in children are often related to respiratory issues, so rescue breaths are crucial.
Training and Certification
It is highly recommended that caregivers, teachers, and anyone responsible for children obtain certification in Pediatric CPR. Organizations like the
American Heart Association and the
Red Cross offer courses that provide hands-on training and certification.
