What is the difference between pediatric and adult resuscitation?

Cardiac arrest is always an emergency where quick action can save lives. But did you know that the approach to CPR differs between children and adults? In this blog post, we explain the key differences between pediatric CPR and adult CPR. This is crucial knowledge for anyone taking first aid or an AED course—or simply wanting to be prepared to save lives.

Cause of cardiac arrest: lack of oxygen vs. heart problem

In adults, cardiac arrest is usually caused by a problem with the heart itself, such as a heart attack or arrhythmia. Blood flow suddenly stops, and rapid chest compressions can help restart the heart.

In children, on the other hand, cardiac arrest often occurs as a result of a lack of oxygen , for example due to:

• Suffocation

• Drowning

• Serious respiratory infections

That is why it is extra important during pediatric resuscitation to provide rescue breaths as quickly as possible .

Initiation of resuscitation: different in children than in adults

Adults:

• Start with 30 chest compressions , followed by 2 breaths

• Use the standard resuscitation cycle (30:2)

Children:

• Start with 5 breaths

• Then continue with 15 chest compressions and 2 breaths (15:2 ratio)

This adapted approach takes into account the fact that in children, a lack of oxygen is usually the cause.

Chest compression technique: adapted to age and body size

The way you perform chest compressions varies by age:

• Adults: Use both hands, centered on the chest

• Children (1 to 8 years): use one hand (or two for older children)

• Babies (under 1 year): Use two fingers on the breastbone

Depress the sternum about one-third of the way down the chest and allow it to fully rebound.

Use of the AED in children

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can also be used on children, but there are a few points to keep in mind:

• For children under 8 years old, preferably use an AED with child electrodes or a child mode

• If this is not available, you can also use the standard AED – waiting is not an option!

• For babies under 1 year: only use the AED on the advice of emergency medical services or if you have been trained to do so.

Alone and no help nearby? What do you do?

In an emergency, every second counts. What you should do depends on the victim's age:

• Adult:
  Call 112 immediately , put the phone on speaker and then start resuscitation

• Child or baby:
  First give 1 minute of CPR (including breaths), then call 112

This minute can be vital, as oxygen deficiency is often the cause in children.

Important to remember

• In adults, the emphasis is on restoring circulation with chest compressions

• In children, restoring oxygen supply is crucial – so ventilation is essential

• Always learn to perform CPR according to the most recent guidelines of the Dutch Resuscitation Council or Red Cross

• Consider taking a pediatric CPR course – especially if you are a parent, work with children, or spend a lot of time around children playing

Finally, prepare, save a life

The difference between pediatric and adult CPR is more than just technique—it's about understanding the cause and choosing the right approach. By knowing and applying these differences, you significantly increase your chance of survival.

Want to be well-prepared? Take a first aid course, including pediatric CPR, and make sure you know how to use an AED. Because when every second counts, you want to get it right.