What are the Key Differences Between Pediatric and Adult CPR?
While the basic principles of CPR are consistent across age groups, there are some key differences when it comes to performing CPR on children:
Compression Depth: For infants (up to 1 year), compress the chest about 1.5 inches (4 cm). For children (1 year to puberty), compress the chest about 2 inches (5 cm). Compression Technique: For infants, use two fingers or two thumbs encircling the chest. For children, use one or two hands depending on the size of the child. Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio: For single rescuers, it's 30:2 for all age groups. For two rescuers, it's 15:2 for infants and children, unlike the 30:2 ratio used for adults. Airway Management: Be more cautious when tilting a child's head to open the airway to avoid causing obstruction.
