Pediatric and Adolescent CPR: Life-Saving Techniques, Facts, and Proper Hand Placement

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving skill, especially for children and adolescents who experience sudden cardiac arrest due to drowning, respiratory failure, or trauma. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes that performing high-quality CPR can double or triple survival rates in pediatric emergencies (AHA, 2023). This guide provides essential pediatric CPR techniques, facts, proper hand placement, and key insights into Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.

Why Pediatric and Adolescent CPR Matters

• Over 7,000 children suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S. (AHA, 2023).

• Leading causes of pediatric cardiac arrest include sudden cardiac conditions, drowning, trauma, and respiratory failure (Red Cross, 2022).

• Survival rates drop by 7-10% for every minute without CPR, making early intervention critical (CDC, 2023).

• High-quality CPR performed immediately can double or triple survival chances (AHA, 2023).

CPR Techniques for Infants, Children, and Adolescents

CPR methods differ by age group due to anatomical and physiological variations. Proper technique ensures effective chest compressions and ventilation.

1. Infant CPR (Under 1 Year Old)

• Check Responsiveness: Gently tap the infant’s foot and call their name.

• Assess Breathing and Pulse: Look for chest rise and check the brachial pulse (inside upper arm).

• Chest Compressions:

  • Use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.

  • Compression depth: At least 1.5 inches (4 cm).

  • Compression rate: 100-120 per minute.

  • Ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths (single rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers).

• Rescue Breaths: Cover both the nose and mouth, delivering gentle breaths with visible chest rise.

2. Child CPR (1 Year to Puberty)

• Check Responsiveness: Tap the child’s shoulder and check for breathing.

• Assess Circulation: Check for the carotid pulse (neck) or femoral pulse (inner thigh).

• Chest Compressions:

  • Use one or two hands (depending on the child’s size) in the center of the chest.

  • Compression depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm), but not exceeding 2.4 inches.

  • Compression rate: 100-120 per minute.

  • Ratio: 30:2 (single rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers).

• Rescue Breaths: Seal the nose and mouth, ensuring visible chest rise.

3. Adolescent CPR (Puberty and Older)

• Follow adult CPR guidelines due to similar anatomical characteristics.

• Chest Compressions:

  • Use two hands, interlocked, on the lower half of the sternum.

  • Compression depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm).

  • Compression rate: 100-120 per minute.

  • Ratio: 30:2 for both single and two-rescuer CPR.

• Rescue Breaths: Pinch the nose, seal the mouth, and provide deep breaths ensuring visible chest rise.

Proper Hand Placement for CPR

• Infants: Two fingers just below the nipple line.

• Children: Heel of one or both hands on the center of the chest.

• Adolescents: Two hands with fingers interlocked, pressing on the lower half of the sternum.

When to Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Use an AED as soon as possible if the child or adolescent is unresponsive and not breathing.

• For infants and young children, use pediatric pads if available. If not, place one adult pad on the chest and the other on the back.

• For adolescents, use standard AED pads and follow the device’s voice prompts.

Conclusion

Pediatric and adolescent CPR is a crucial skill that can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Proper technique, correct hand placement, and early intervention with an AED can significantly improve survival outcomes. Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and bystanders are encouraged to undergo certified CPR training to ensure readiness in critical moments.

References

• American Heart Association (AHA). (2023). Pediatric Basic Life Support Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Cardiac Arrest Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

• Red Cross. (2022). CPR and First Aid Training Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org