CPR for Children
If you’re in an emergency, CALL 000
The guide below is for use on children ages 1-8.
You can find our specific guides on CPR for children over 8, adults, infants and pregnancy, HERE.
***IMPORTANT***
The information below does NOT replace first aid training. If you haven’t been certified in first aid and CPR, we highly recommend doing so before attempting to administer CPR.
Before Beginning CPR
Make sure you follow the DRSABCD action plan. This ensures you perform the vital steps necessary before beginning CPR.
Starting CPR:
After following the DRSABCD steps, if you deem it necessary, begin CPR.
1. Kneel beside the child and place them on a firm surface on their back.
2. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest, with the other hand interlocked on top (as pictured).
3. Straighten your arm and position yourself over the top of the patient’s chest.
4. Use the weight of your body and push your hands down to roughly 1/3 of the depth of their chest.
5. Release the pressure and push down again.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths
6. To ensure that the patient is in the correct position, place one hand on their forehead and the other hand under their chin to tilt their head back.
7. Pinch their nose with your thumb and index finger and use your other hand to open their mouth.
8. Take a breath and form a seal around the patient’s mouth. Blow for about one second and look for the chest to rise and fall. Then give a second breath.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Most businesses house an AED, so if an AED is available, use it.
If an AED is available, attach the pads as demonstrated in the picture and follow its instructions.
The AED looks at the heart rhythm every two minutes and may deliver a shock to the patient. It will tell you before it does so.
Between every analysis, continue performing CPR.
If the pads are too close together, place one on the centre of the child’s chest and the other on the centre of their back.
When to stop CPR
Only stop CPR if one of the following occurs:
- The child’s breathing returns to normal
- It is impossible to continue
- A health care professional takes over
- The situation becomes too dangerous to continue.
If the child starts breathing
If the patient begins to breathe on their own, place them in the recovery position, as shown to the right and continue to monitor them closely.
