Pediatric vs. Adult CPR: Do You Know the Differences?

Pediatric vs. Adult CPR: Do You Know the Differences?

3. Technique: Adjust your strength

The way you perform compressions depends on body size:

• Adults: Use both hands on the center of 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. Press the breastbone in about one-third of the way down the chest, allowing it to fully return to its original position.

4. Use of the AED in children

An AED device can also be used on children, but pay attention to the settings:

• Under 8 years old: Preferably use an AED with a child safety button or special child electrodes. This reduces the shock intensity. If this is not available, use the standard AED; doing nothing is not an option!

• Babies (under 1 year): Only use an AED on the advice of the 112 emergency dispatch center or if you have been specifically trained to do so.

5. Alone and no help? Call at the right time

If you are alone, there is an important difference in when you call 911:

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

• Child or baby: First give 1 minute of CPR (including rescue breaths) and then call 112. That first minute of oxygen is often the difference between life and death for a child.

Make sure you are prepared for any casualty

Knowing these differences significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome. Do you really want to master your skills?

• Practice the technique: Order a resuscitation doll (we have special baby and junior dolls) to feel the difference in resistance.

• Choose universal safety: Are you considering buying an AED ? Choose a model with a child safety button, such as the Mindray AED , so that you are ready for any victim at the touch of a button.

• Keep your knowledge sharp: Take an AED training course regularly or use one AED trainer to ingrain the 15:2 protocol.

• Maintenance is essential: Make sure you AED electrodes and AED battery always within the expiration date via our maintenance contracts .