Performing CPR on adults, children, and infants, all require chest compressions and rescue breath application. Application techniques may change depending on the age of the patient, and these differences can be learned in a CPR certification course. Here are the main differences in CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants:
Adult CPR
For CPR, adults are defined as people aged about 12 to 13 years and above. By this time, the ribcage should be fully developed, and full compressions are safe to perform. Once the patient is lying on their back on a firm surface, place your hands directly on the center of the adult’s chest, one hand on top of the other. Keep your elbows straight, and push down on the patient’s chest at least two inches. Since an adult’s ribcage is strong, use your entire body weight when performing compressions. For adults, use an average of 100 to 120 strong compressions per minute while checking for resuscitation. If you are trained in CPR, combine chest compressions with rescue breathing. For adults, 30 chest compressions should be followed by two rescue breaths.
Child CPR
The process of performing CPR on a child aged 1 to 11 to 12 years is similar to giving CPR to an adult. Because children have weaker ribcages than adults, only one hand should be used to apply compressions. Compressions should not exceed two inches to avoid damaging the child’s ribcage. After 30 compressions, if you have a CPR certification, add rescue breathing techniques.
Breathe directly into the child’s mouth to supply oxygen to the lungs. Close the child’s mouth while administering the rescue breath for maximum air supply. For children, give one to two rescue breaths after 15 compressions. Make sure you don’t breathe with too much force or provide more than two breaths at a time. Too much air might disrupt the blood circulation created by chest compressions. If an AED is available, be sure to use pediatric pads for children up to eight years of age.
Infant CPR
In CPR application, infants are children between four weeks and one year old. An infant’s ribcage is not strong enough to withstand strong compressions, and only two fingers should be used. Compress the chest no more than one and a half inches. After 30 compressions, if the baby does not regain consciousness, administer rescue breaths immediately. Rescue breaths should be slower and more gentle than a child’s due to the delicacy of an infant’s lungs. Use puffs of air from your cheeks instead of deep breaths from your lungs. Continue giving two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
Acquire Your CPR Certification Today
Though CPR for adults, children, and infants requires similar compression and breathing techniques, precautions should be taken to account for changes in ribcage or lung development. Before administering CPR on any patient, call the emergency response number 911 for professional assistance and additional guidance on CPR procedures. Whether you are a healthcare provider, childcare worker, or safety supervisor, CPR is a key lifesaving skill. Enroll in an accredited one-day CPR certification course today.
