CPR for child age 1 to 8 years

Alternative names:

rescue breathing, chest compressions - for ages 1-8 years; resuscitation, cardiopulmonary - for ages 1-8 years

First aid:

1. Check for consciousness. Shake or tap the child gently. See if the child moves or makes a noise. Shout, "Are you OK?" Assess the pulse of the child via the carotid artery. This is located at the level of the Adam's apple, between this structure and the large muscle that runs from the base of the ear to the collarbone. Use your index and middle finger to find pulse.
   
   
2. If there is no response, shout for help.
   
   
3. Roll the child onto their back on a hard surface, keeping the back in a straight line, firmly supporting the head and neck. Expose the chest.
   
   
4. Kneel next to the child with your knees against the child's side. Lift the child's chin while tilting the head back to move the tongue away from the windpipe. If a spinal injury is suspected, pull the jaw forward without moving the head or neck. Don't let the mouth close.
   
   
5. Place your ear close to the child's mouth and watch for chest movement. For five seconds, look, listen, and feel for breathing.
   
   
6. If you do not hear, see, or feel breathing, begin rescue breathing. Maintain the head position, close the child's nostrils by pinching them with your thumb and index finger, and cover the child's mouth tightly with your mouth. Give two slow, thorough breaths, with a pause in between. (Note: An adult's larger lungs could pop a child's smaller lungs, so use small breaths and blow just enough to see the chest rise.) Watch to see if the chest rises. Listen for the faint sound of breath; feel for a warm exchange of air across your face.
   
   
7. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and give two more breaths. If the chest still doesn't rise, the child's airway is blocked. Follow instructions for choking (for unconscious adult or child over 1 year).
   
   
8. If the child's chest does rise, feel for a pulse for five to 10 seconds.
   
   
9. If the child has a pulse, give one breath every three seconds. Check the pulse after every 20 breaths
   
   
10. Call the local emergency number or have someone else make the call if possible. Begin giving breaths and checking the pulse.
    
    
11. If the child has no pulse, begin chest compressions. Maintain the head position and place the heel of your hand two finger-widths above the lowest notch of the child's breastbone.The long axis of the heel of your hand should be over the long axis of the breastbone. Lean your shoulder over your hand and quickly press about one to one and one-half inches into the child's chest five times. Give the compressions in a smooth, rhythmic manner, keeping your hand on the child's chest. Don't rock back and forth - push straight down. Don't pause between compressions
    
    
12. Give the child one breath, followed by five chest compressions. Count aloud as you pump in a fairly rapid rhythm. You should pump about 80 to 100 times a minute (Count 1 and 2 and 3...).
    
    
13. Recheck the child's pulse for 5 to 10 seconds.
    
    
14. Repeat steps 12 and 13 until the child's pulse resumes or help arrives. If the pulse resumes, go to step 9.

Do not:

• DO NOT give chest compressions if there is a heartbeat; doing so may cause the heart to stop beating.
• DO NOT move the child's head or neck to check for breathing if a spinal injury is suspected.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• You are not alone--have one person call the local emergency number while another person begins CPR.
• You are alone--shout for help and begin CPR.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial