General

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing providing oxygen to the victim’s lungs, and chest compressions, which keep oxygenated blood circulating until a heartbeat and breathing can be restored. Brain damage or death can occur within minutes if blood flow ceases. 

Artificial Respiration 

A child is between the age of 1-8 years.

Shake the child gently. Shout, “Are you OK?”.  If unresponsive – call for medical aid. If you are by yourself, do not leave the child to call 911 until you’ve given at least 2 minutes of CPR (5 cycles of compressions and ventilations). Carefully place the child on his/her back. In cases of suspected spinal injury, move the child without twisting their head and neck. Open the airway – lift the chin with 2 fingers, while pushing down on the forehead with the other hand. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 5 to 10 seconds. 

If the child is not breathing: 

• Cover the child’s mouth tightly with your mouth, 
• Pinch the nose closed, 
• Keep the chin lifted and give 2 normal breaths – each 1 second long,
• Do not give full, forceful breaths, 
• If the chest does not rise – try the chin lift-head tilt again, and give 2 more breaths,
• If the chest still doesn’t rise – check for airway blockage and try to remove it.

Cardiac Compressions 

Do not check for signs of circulation if the child is not breathing:

• Place the heel of one hand at the centre of the chest between the nipples, 
• Place your other hand on top of the first hand, 
• Position your body squarely over the child – shoulders in line with your hands, 
• Give 30 chest compressions, 
• Each compression – press down about 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest, 
• Each compression – let the chest rise completely, 
• These compressions should be fast with no pausing. 

Repeat the Process 

Repeat the above cycles of 2 breaths and 30 compressions until the child recovers or help arrives. If the child starts breathing again, place in the recovery position and monitor. 

Reference: American Heart Association

IMPORTANT – The procedures described on this website are not a substitute for medical, first aid or CPR training. Always seek treatment from a trained medical professional whenever possible.