Objective: For infant and child resuscitation, current basic life support guidelines recommend a compression depth of one third to one half of the anteroposterior chest diameter. This study was conducted to assess the actual compression depths in infants and children when current guidelines are strictly followed. Show
Patients and methods: Chest computed tomography scans of 36 infants (<1 year old) and 38 children (1-8 years old) were reviewed. Patient demographic data were collected from medical records. Measurements of the anteroposterior diameter from chest computed tomography scans were taken from the anterior skin at either the internipple line or the middle of the lower half of the sternum, perpendicular to the skin on the posterior thorax. Results: In the infant group (25 boys, 11 girls), the mean age was 3.6 months. In the child-age group (21 boys, 17 girls), the mean age was 4.0 years. Compression depths were 3.4 to 5.1 cm in the infant group and 4.4 to 6.6 cm in the child group when current guidelines were followed. There was no difference in compression depths measured at internipple line versus in the lower half of the sternum. The intrathoracic structures observed beneath these 2 suggested that compression landmarks were similar. Conclusions: Radiological assessment of infants' and children's chests indicates similar or higher compression depths for infants and children versus the recommended compression depths for adults (3.8-5.1 cm) according to current guidelines. More evidence is needed to guide the proper depth of chest compression in pediatric populations.
When someone’s heart stops, they’re in cardiac arrest, you should jump into action to do chest compressions as soon as possible. The depth of compression is different between adults and children. 2 to 2.4 inches on an adult.Since the update to the CPR guidelines in 2015, the depth of chest compressions shifted from 2 inches, to 2-2.4 inches deep. You’ll do these compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, on the sternum in the center of the chest. This is the same for both men and women, so don’t be afraid when the need to do CPR arises. Watch our Adult CPR Training Video 1/3 the depth of the chest on a child or a baby.The rate of compressions is the same here as on an adult: 100-120 compressions per minute. When doing chest compressions on a baby, use two fingers. For a child use one hand. Watch our Child CPR Training Video Watch our Infant CPR Training Video What if I hear cracking sounds? Did I break a rib?When you do compressions properly, you’re likely going to hear cracking sounds. Don’t stop doing CPR. These sounds can be caused by cartilage or ribs cracking, but the damage is not serious. Remember: the reason you’re doing CPR is to help the person until paramedics, EMTs or the next level of care arrives. You’re giving the person a fighting chance, and you should continue to do compressions. Breaking a rib is not something to be afraid of. You can’t make their situation worse, and you can’t be sued for giving someone CPR thanks to the Good Samaritan laws. beginning of content
CPR (short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has stopped.
Start CPR as soon as possibleCPR involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (rescue breaths) that help circulate blood and oxygen in the body. This can help keep the brain and vital organs alive. You should start CPR if a person:
How to perform CPR — adultsWatch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on an adult, or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these steps before starting CPR. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABCD” — DRS ABCD — to help you remember the first letter of each step.)
Carry out chest compressions:
Give mouth-to-mouth:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions then 2 breaths until:
Doing CPR is very tiring so if possible, with minimal interruption, swap between doing mouth-to-mouth and compressions so you can keep going with effective compressions. If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life. How to perform CPR — children over 1 yearUse these instructions only if the child's chest is too small for you to use both hands to do chest compressions. Otherwise, use the instructions for adult CPR above. Watch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a child, or read the DRS ABCD action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these steps before starting CPR. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABCD” — DRS ABCD — to help you remember the first letter of each step.)
To carry out chest compressions on a child:
To give mouth-to-mouth to a child:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions then 2 breaths until:
Doing CPR is very tiring so if possible, with minimal interruption, swap between doing mouth-to-mouth and compressions so you can keep going with effective compressions. If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life. How to perform CPR — babies under 1 yearWatch this video from Royal Life Saving Australia about how to perform CPR on a baby, or read the DRS ABC action plan and step-by-step instructions below.
Follow these life support steps before starting. (Use the phrase “doctor’s ABC” — DRS ABC — to help you remember the first letter of each step.)
To carry out chest compressions on a baby:
To give mouth-to-mouth to a baby:
Give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, known as “30:2”. Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (if only doing compressions about 100 – 120 compressions per minute). Keep going with 30 compressions to 2 breaths until:
If you can’t give breaths, doing compressions only without stopping may still save a life Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)Using an AED can also save someone’s life. You do not need to be trained to use an AED since the AED will guide you with voice prompts on how to use it safely.
CPR trainingWe recommend you attend a first aid training course. It pays to have first aid skills because it will make dealing with an emergency situation easier. St John Ambulance Australia offers a range of first aid courses and can be contacted at stjohn.org.au. To contact St John Ambulance Australia in your local area, call 1300 360 455. Royal Life Saving Australia organises training courses in first aid and resuscitation in every state and territory. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Last reviewed: September 2021 These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
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