How to Perform CPR on a Child (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Perform CPR on a Child

Knowing exactly how to perform CPR on a child can make the difference between life and death. Although cardiac arrest in children is rare, it can happen—often due to breathing issues, trauma, or underlying medical conditions rather than a heart problem. Because of this, acting fast and with confidence is critical.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

First, check your surroundings. Make sure it’s safe to approach. Always protect yourself before helping others. Next, approach the child and assess their condition. If anyone nearby is responsible for the child—such as a parent, teacher, or carer—ask: “Can I help your child?”

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness

Speak to the child calmly and clearly. Even if they don’t respond, they might still hear you. Say something like: “Hello, my name is Sam. I’m a first aider. Can you hear me?” Use their name if known. Gently tap their shoulder or collarbone. If there’s still no response, shout for help immediately.

Step 3: Call for Help

If someone is with you, ask them to call 999, put the phone on speaker, and stay with you. Also, ask for an AED if one is available. If you are alone, call 999 yourself and activate speaker mode while continuing your assessment.

Step 4: Check Breathing

  • Open the airway using the head tilt, chin lift technique.
  • Look briefly inside the mouth. Remove visible obstructions.
  • Check for breathing: look, listen, and feel for 10 seconds.

If the child isn’t breathing normally or is only gasping, this is cardiac arrest. You must act immediately.

Step 5: Begin CPR

If you are alone, give CPR for one minute before leaving to get help or an AED. If someone else is present, begin CPR while they call emergency services.

Rescue Breaths

  • Give 5 initial rescue breaths by sealing the mouth and pinching the nose shut.
  • Breathe just enough to see the chest rise.
  • Allow the chest to fall before giving the next breath.

Chest Compressions

  • Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest.
  • Push down roughly 4–5cm at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  • Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
  • If needed, use two hands for larger children.

After the five initial breaths, switch to 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Continue without delay. If two rescuers are available, switch every two minutes to maintain quality.

Step 6: Use an AED

  • Turn the AED on as soon as it arrives.
  • Apply paediatric pads if available. One goes on the chest, the other on the back.
  • If using adult pads, place them so they don’t touch each other.
  • Follow the AED voice prompts exactly.
  • Deliver a shock if advised, then resume CPR immediately.

When to Stop CPR

Continue until one of the following occurs:

  • The child starts breathing normally.
  • Professional help arrives and takes over.
  • You are too exhausted to continue.

Key Reminders

  • Always check for danger before approaching.
  • Start CPR after one minute if you are alone.
  • Begin with 5 rescue breaths before compressions.
  • Maintain a 15:2 compression-to-breath ratio.
  • Use the AED as soon as it is available.
  • Swap rescuers every two minutes if possible.

Learning how to perform CPR on a child empowers you to act decisively in critical moments. With practice and proper guidance, you can stay calm, deliver life-saving aid, and increase the child’s chances of survival.

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