What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and When to Start

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a critical lifesaving technique used when a person is not breathing or their heart has stopped. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing to help circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body. This technique is essential in maintaining vital organ function until professional medical help arrives. If you find a child unresponsive and not breathing normally, it is crucial to start CPR immediately to increase their chances of survival.

Assessing the Situation

Before you begin CPR, it’s vital to assess the situation to ensure it’s safe for both you and the child. First, check the scene for any potential hazards that could pose a risk. Make sure the child is lying on a firm, flat surface. Next, check for responsiveness by shouting at the child, tapping them gently, and shouting again. If the child does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 or instruct someone else to do so. Quick action is essential, so don’t delay in seeking emergency assistance.

It's important to check for responsiveness and breathing before your perform chest compressions on a child's chest.

Performing CPR on a Child

CPR involves a series of chest compressions and rescue breathing. Understanding the child’s chest size is crucial for effective compressions. Here are some simple, life-saving tips for performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on a child over the age of 1 year. Proper hand placement and compression depth on the child's chest are essential for effective resuscitation.

How Should You Perform CPR on a Child?

On discovering a collapsed child, as mentioned, check the scene for danger and establish whether he or she is conscious or unconscious. Speak loudly and clearly to the child, ask ‘What happened?’ or give a command such as ‘Open your eyes.’ If the child is unresponsive, begin CPR by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the child’s chest, with the other hand stacked on top, and start chest compressions. Ensure that your hands are correctly positioned on the child's chest to provide effective compressions.

How to Open the Airway

Place one hand on the child’s shoulder and tap them gently to see if there is a response. To open the child’s airway place one hand on the forehead and gently tilt the head back. As you do this, their mouth will fall open. Place the fingertips of your other hand on the point of the chin and lift. Do not push on the soft tissue under the chin as this may block the airway. To check whether the child is breathing, look for chest movement, listen for sounds of breathing and feel for breath on your cheek. Do this for 5 to 10 seconds and if the child is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.

What is the Correct Chest Compressions Depth for a Child?

Place one hand on the centre of the child’s chest, ensuring the correct placement on the child’s chest for effective compressions. This is the point at which you will apply pressure. Lean over the child with your arm straight and press down vertically on the breastbone with the heel of your hand. Compression depth should be about 5cm or 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest. Allow the chest to come back up completely before doing the next compression. (For infants, ensure the compressions are appropriately adjusted for a baby's chest. Use two fingers for compressions on the baby's chest, and make sure to find the correct location for effective compressions.)

What is the Chest Compression to Rescue Breaths Ratio for a Child?

  • Give 30 steady compressions. Push hard, push fast.

  • Return to the child’s head, open the airway and give two rescue breaths.

  • Ensure the airway is still open by keeping one hand on the forehead and two fingers of the other hand on their chin.

  • Pinch the soft part of the child’s nose with the finger and thumb of the hand that was on the forehead. Make sure that their nostrils are closed to prevent air from escaping. Allow the mouth to fall open.

  • Take a deep breath in before placing your lips around the child’s mouth making sure you form an airtight seal. Blow steadily into the child’s mouth for one second: and just enough for the chest to rise.

  • Maintaining head tilt and chin lift, take your mouth off the child’s mouth and look to see the chest fall. If the chest rises visibly as you blow and falls when you lift your mouth, you have given a rescue breath. If the child's chest does not rise you may need to adjust the head and check for any visible obstructions from the mouth but do not sweep the mouth with your finger to look for obstructions.

  • If you are alone, continue giving 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths for 2 minutes, then stop and call 911. While waiting for medical personnel, continue performing CPR until they arrive, or if the child starts to breathe normally or you become too exhausted to continue.

  • If you are unable, unwilling or untrained to give rescue breaths, you can give chest compressions only.

It's important to know chest compression depth child and how to perform chest compressions correctly.

Continuing CPR

What to do if CPR needs to be sustained

If CPR needs to be sustained for an extended period, it is essential to follow proper techniques to avoid fatigue and maintain the quality of compressions. Here are some tips to help you continue CPR effectively:

  1. Switch roles: If possible, switch roles with another trained person every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue. This will help maintain the quality of compressions and prevent exhaustion.

  2. Use a CPR mask: If available, use a CPR mask to help maintain a seal over the child’s mouth and nose, making rescue breaths more effective.

  3. Monitor the child’s condition: Continuously monitor the child’s condition, checking for signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, or responding to verbal commands.

  4. Adjust compression rate: If the child’s heart rate is not responding to CPR, adjust the compression rate to 100-120 compressions per minute.

  5. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If the child is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, use it according to the device’s instructions.

Learn chest compression depth child and how to perform chest compressions properly with CPR training.

When to stop CPR

CPR should be continued until emergency medical personnel arrive, or until the child starts showing signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, or responding to verbal commands.

To determine when to stop CPR:

  1. Check the child’s pulse and breathing regularly.

  2. If the child starts showing signs of regaining consciousness, stop CPR.

  3. If emergency medical personnel arrive, they will take over care of the child and provide further instructions.

  4. If the child is not responding to CPR and emergency medical personnel are not available, continue CPR until help arrives.

Be prepared for Emergencies

It’s crucial to keep performing CPR until help arrives or the child shows signs of normal breathing. If you’re not certified in CPR, consider taking a class to learn the proper techniques and be prepared for emergencies.

For more information about first aid courses please call (250) 861-4357. Or you can view our First Aid Courses.

Child CPR is a critical skill and part of that entails understanding the chest compression depth for a child.

Additional CPR Training and Resources

Where to find training and resources to improve CPR skills

To improve your CPR skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, consider the following training and resources:

  1. Canadian Red Cross: Offers CPR certification courses for adults, children, and infants.

  2. Canadian Heart Association: Provides CPR certification courses and resources for healthcare professionals and laypeople.

  3. Local hospitals and healthcare organizations: Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer CPR training courses and resources.

  4. Online CPR training platforms: Websites like ProTrainings, CPR Certification Institute, and National CPR Certification offer online CPR training courses and certification.

  5. CPR apps: Download CPR apps like CPR Coach, CPR Guide, or First Aid & CPR Guide to access CPR instructions and training resources on-the-go.

  6. Healthcare professionals: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, for personalized CPR training and guidance.

Remember, CPR training is essential to save lives. Stay certified, stay updated, and stay prepared to respond in an emergency.