Paediatric CPR: An Introduction

In this section, we will look at paediatric CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is a life-saving skill used when someone is not breathing normally.

This topic is covered across several short films. We will explain CPR for infants, children, and adolescents, before moving on to specific elements such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use.

Paediatric Age Groups Explained

For the purposes of CPR:

• Infants are defined as under 1 year old
• Children are aged from 1 to 12 years
• Adolescents are aged from 13 to 18 years

You do not need to know the child’s exact age to start CPR. What matters most is using a technique that allows you to achieve effective chest compressions.

Choosing the Right Compression Technique

The method you use will depend on the size of the child and what you are physically able to do:

• If you can deliver compressions using two thumbs, treat them as an infant
• If two-thumb compressions are not possible, use one hand as you would for a child
• If one hand is not effective, you can use two hands

The priority is always to deliver good-quality compressions. Do what feels safest and most effective for you.

Working With Other Rescuers

In this section, we will also cover:

• How to hand over CPR to a second rescuer safely and smoothly
• How to provide continuous chest compressions only when you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths

Chest-compression-only CPR is still highly effective and is always better than doing nothing.

Key Message

You do not need to be an expert to save a child’s life. Acting quickly, using the technique you can manage, and continuing until help arrives gives the best possible chance of survival.