Suffocation and drowning pose a serious threat to the life of a child. Especially since they may not be able to call for help or know to signal that there is a problem. And if a child’s heart has stopped for eight to ten minutes, it is unlikely that they will survive. So if you know how to and can quickly administer CPR to get that little heart pumping again as soon as possible, you will drastically improve the child’s chances.
What is CPR?
CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is an emergency procedure that is performed when the heart stops beating for any reason. It is a technique that involves using your hands or fingers to recreate a pumping motion through the body using rapid chest compressions. It encourages the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body, allowing the heart to start pumping again and breathing to return.
It is a simple procedure that is easy to remember and perform, yet at the same time knowing how to do it could very well save the life of a child.
CPR for Children Ages 12 months to Eight Years Old
- Lay the child down on their back on a flat, firm surface.
- Place the heel of your hand over the lower third area of their breastbone. Then place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand, and lace your fingers together.
- Give the child 30 quick chest compressions. Pressing hard enough so that the chest moves down five centimetres. This helps the body pump blood to the brain and vital organs.
- Keep giving rounds of 30 quick compressions until either help arrives or the child has started to breathe again.
CPR for Infants
- Lay the baby down on their back on a flat, firm surface.
- Place just two fingers over the lower third area of their breastbone.
- Give the infant 30 quick chest compressions. Pressing hard enough so that the chest moves down four centimetres.
- Keep giving rounds of 30 quick compressions until either help arrives or the baby has started to breathe again.