Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Children

Prior to Procedure

• Check for unresponsiveness by tapping the patient and asking “Are you OK?”.” Look for signs of breathing (chest rise, feel and listen for breath)
  • If someone is with you, have them call 911 immediately.
  • If you are alone, perform CPR for at least 1 to 2 minutes before dialing 911.
• If an AED is available, have it brought to the scene. If you are alone, retrieve the AED when you call for help.

Description of the Procedure

During CPR, a trained individual administers mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by blowing air directly into the patient's mouth. The patient's chest is pressed in a regular rhythm to help restore heartbeat.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compression are to be alternated as indicated below.

1. Position the child so that he is lying on his back.
2. Open the airway by placing your hand on the child’s forehead and lifting the chin with your other hand.
3. Gently tilt his head slightly backward, pinch the child's nose, and cover his mouth with yours.
4. Breathe twice into his mouth; until you see the chest rise. Breaths should be about one second each.
5. Administer chest compressions.
   1. Place the heel of one hand palm down on the chest. Use 1 or 2 hands as necessary.
   2. Straighten your arms and lock your elbows; begin pressing down in a straight motion. The compressions should be about 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.
   3. Push hard, push fast, at a rate of 100 compressions/minute
   4. Allow the chest to rise completely in between compressions
   5. Minimize interruption between compressions
6. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
7. Use the AED if available after five cycles of CPR or about 2 minutes.
   1. Turn the AED on.
   2. Attached the pads
   3. Follow the prompts. If advised deliver the shock and immediately after resume CPR. If the shock is not advised resume CPR.
8. Continue cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or it becomes unsafe to continue. Emergency personnel will take over care of the patient when they arrive.

After Procedure

If you have not called 911, do so even if the child has regained consciousness and is breathing on his own. He will need to be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of time for CPR depends on the underlying causes and availability of advanced medical care.

Will It Hurt?

Because CPR is administered when the patient is unconscious, the procedure does not hurt. However, some patients may complain of soreness in the chest after regaining consciousness.

Possible Complications

In frail children, it is possible that ribs may fracture or break during chest compressions. Other complications including puncture of a lung are also possible.

Average Hospital Stay

This depends upon the reason for cardiopulmonary failure and the effectiveness of CPR.

Postoperative Care

Patients will need to be taken to the hospital for evaluation following CPR.