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Tips to Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on a Child

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a life-saving procedure (comprising chest compressions and rescue breaths) useful in many emergencies like a cardiac arrest, heart attack, near drowning, etc. in which someone’s breathing, or heartbeat has stopped. Every individual should be trained in the procedure to be able to effectively handle cardiac emergencies. Proper application of the procedure can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

If you are on the lookout to sign up for a CPR course in the Nashville region in Tennessee, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers.

Tips to Performing CPR on a Child:
The procedure for giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a child age 1 through puberty is essentially the same as that for an adult.

Here’s a lowdown on ways to perform CPR on a child by the American Heart Association:

Chest Compressions
Perform five cycles of compressions and breaths on a child prior to calling 911 and getting an AED (if one is available) if you are alone and didn’t see the child collapse. On the other hand, if you are alone and suddenly see a child collapse, call 911 and get hold of an AED device (the devices are available in most public places) before beginning CPR. If you aren’t alone, have that person call for help and get the AED while you begin with the CPR procedure.

1.      On a firm surface, put the child on his or her back and kneel next to the victim’s neck and shoulders.
2.      Perform chest compressions by using two hands, or one hand if the child is very small. Compress the chest about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push straight down on the chest at least 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) but not greater than 2.4 inches (approximately 6 centimeters) if the child is an adolescent. Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
3.      Carry on with chest compressions until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over if you haven’t been trained in the procedure. Go on to opening the airway and rescue breathing if you are well-trained in CPR.

Airway
Open the child’s airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver if you are trained in the CPR procedure and you’ve already performed 30 chest compressions. Gently tilt the child’s head back by putting your palm on his or her forehead. Use your other hand to gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.

Breathing
Use the compression-breath rate of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, which is one cycle.
1.      With the airway open, for mouth-to-mouth breathing pinch the nostrils shut and cover the child’s mouth with yours making a seal.
2.      Perform 2 rescue breaths where the first one should last one second and watch to see if the chest rises. Give the second breath only if the chest rises. Repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath if the victim’s chest doesn't rise. Do not provide too many breaths or breathe with too much force.
3.      Begin the next cycle of compressions and breaths immediately after the two breaths. For two people performing CPR, 15 compressions should be conducted followed by two breaths.
4.      Use an AED device as soon as it is available and follow the prompts. Use pediatric pads if available, for children up to age 8, if they aren't available, use adult pads. Administer one shock, then resume CPR — starting with chest compressions — for two more minutes prior to administering a second shock. A 911 or other emergency medical operator may be able to guide you in its use if you're not trained to use an AED.
Carry on until the child moves or the arrival of emergency medical services.
For CPR training at CPR Nashville, call on (615) 638-0005.
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