ABC’s of Life for Children (1 to Puberty):
Airway: Same as an Adult except look in the airway for a potential choking object that potentially could be removed.
Breathing: Same as an Adult. If giving rescue breaths, give a lower volume of air when giving breaths. Give just enough breath to see the chest rise.
Circulation: Same as an Adult. Remember to Push Hard and Push Fast. Do not hesitate or restrict compressions due to the smaller size of the child. Recognize that performing poor compression equates to poor circulation and cellular injury and death. Attempt to push 1/2 to 1/3 the chest depth of the child. If the child is small in size, you may use one hand instead of two when performing compressions. You may use the second hand to maintain an open airway and stabilize the child during compressions.
ABC’s of Life for Infants (Birth to Age 1):
Airway & Breathing: Same as a Child.
Circulation: Compressions have to performed differently for infants than they would be for larger children and adults due to their smaller size.
To perform compressions on an infant, place the infant on a flat hard surface, face up, and locate the middle of the chest between the breasts. Place two fingers of one hand on top of the sternum about a fingers tips length below the nipple line. Place the second hand the infants head to maintain an open airway and to stabilize the victim. Push on the chest using the two fingers at the rate of 100 compressions per minute at a depth of 1/2 to 1/3 the chest depth. If giving CPR with rescue breathing perform 30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2 ratio).
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Matthew A. Carter is the Lead Developer and Editor of FirstAidReference.com. Matt is an Emergency Medical Technician and nationally recognized EMS Educator & CPR Instructor. He has extensive public safety experience and has trained and certified thousands of individuals in the topics of CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Medical Services working across the United States.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Guide at First Aid: Online First Aid and CPR Information by First Aid Reference – First Aid Guide says:
[...] Differences for Infants and Children When to call 911 or get help in Infant CPR & Child CPR Steps of Infant CPR / Steps of Child CPR –Healthcare Provider CPR – Healthcare Provider BLS CPR [...]
Posted on September 17, 2010 at 10:03 pm.
CPR – When to Call or Get Help for Children and Infants in Cardiac Arrest at First Aid: Online First Aid and CPR Information by First Aid Reference – First Aid Guide says:
[...] Next: ABC – Child CPR / Infant CPR [...]
Posted on September 17, 2010 at 10:32 pm.