Last Updated on: November 8, 2024
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used when a person stops breathing or in situations where the heart suddenly stops beating. Probably caused by sudden cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking, CPR can increase the chances of a person’s survival 2-3 times by having the blood flow to the brain and other organs until professional medical help arrives.
The primary difference between adult and pediatric CPR lies in the techniques used due to the anatomical and physiological differences between adults and children. In pediatric CPR, rescuers must account for a child’s smaller body size, more fragile bones, and higher heart rates. While both forms of CPR aim to restore normal breathing and circulation, the force applied, compression depth, and breathing techniques vary significantly to ensure effective and safe resuscitation for each age group.
Thus, knowing how to perform adult vs child CPR is crucial for anyone looking to be prepared for emergencies.
When learning CPR, it’s important to know how “adult” and “child” are defined because it changes how you perform the technique. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Read More: Child BLS: Life-Saving Techniques for Pediatric Resuscitation
When learning CPR, everyone should be aware of how is CPR performed differently. This difference mainly occurs due to age differences and body systems. Let’s find out how chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the compression-to-breath ratio differ in adult and child CPR.
Chest compressions are the most critical step in performing CPR. Therefore, responders should know key differences and points to consider when doing compressions on an adult, child, or infant.
Chest compressions for adults involve using both hands. Responders should place one hand on top of the other in the center of the chest, right over the sternum. The hands should be interlocked and the arms straight. With each compression, push down firmly to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).
Adults typically have a stronger, more rigid chest structure, so more force is necessary to be effective. The compressions should be deep enough to ensure blood flow, especially to the brain and heart. Moreover, the compression rate for adults should be 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which is about two compressions per second.
When learning CPR, it’s important to understand that a child is defined as someone who is in the age range between infancy and adolescence. The depth of compressions for children should be about 1.5 to 2 inches, depending on the child’s size and weight. Excessive force may cause injury, such as broken ribs, so compressions for children need to be gentler than for adults.
The compression rate for children remains the same as for adults, with 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Consistent, fast compressions are just as important for children, but you must adjust the force accordingly. The use of an AED in CPR adult vs child scenarios also differs, as pediatric pads are used for children to ensure a safer shock.
Rescue breaths are a critical component of CPR, which provides oxygen to the victim’s lungs during cardiac emergencies. While the technique remains similar for adults and children, the approach varies due to physiological differences in their airways and chest structures.
After 30 chest compressions, two rescue breaths are given. To deliver a rescue breath, tilt the head back to open the airway and pinch the nose closed. Seal your mouth over the victim’s mouth and blow air into their lungs. Each breath should last about one second and be strong enough to raise the chest visibly. If the chest does not rise, it may indicate a blocked airway, in which case the rescuer should recheck the head tilt and airway opening.
For CPR purposes a child is defined as someone whose airway and chest are more fragile, requiring a gentler approach during rescue breaths and compressions. Responders should give two gentle breaths, after 30 compressions. Unlike adults, children’s airways are more sensitive, so applying too much pressure can damage or block the airway.
For infants, the rescuer may need to cover both the mouth and nose with their mouth while giving breaths. This ensures a proper seal and allows the small lungs to inflate more easily. The rescuer should always check if the child’s chest rises with each breath. If it doesn’t, reassess the airway and adjust the head position before continuing.
The standard ratio for CPR, regardless of age, is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. This is known as the 30:2 cycle. This ratio ensures that compressions and breaths are balanced for proper blood flow and oxygenation.
If you are the only person performing CPR on a child and you’re trained, start with five initial rescue breaths before performing chest compressions. This step is critical in pediatric CPR because children often experience cardiac arrest due to breathing problems (such as choking or drowning), not heart issues. The five initial breaths help reoxygenate the body before compressions begin. After the five breaths, continue with the standard 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio. However, if there are two rescuers, the ratio may shift to 15 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths to allow for more frequent breaths in children.
For adults, immediate chest compressions take priority, especially since most adult cardiac arrests stem from heart issues, not breathing problems. Therefore, in adult CPR, starting compressions as soon as possible is essential to ensure continued blood flow to the brain and heart. Rescue breaths are still important in adult CPR, but chest compressions should not be delayed. Chest compressions keep the blood moving, and rescue breaths provide oxygen to the circulating blood.
Read More: AED Use on Children: Steps and Key Considerations
Choosing the right CPR course is crucial for effective emergency response. Here’s a concise guide to help you select the best training course:
CPR is a key skill that everyone should develop. Timely CPR can save a valuable life during an emergency. Therefore, choosing the right CPR training course is crucial for learning how to respond effectively in emergencies. Proper training in adult vs. child CPR ensures that responders can adjust their technique based on the victim’s age and physical condition.
Moreover, once you know how a child is defined in CPR, you can apply the correct techniques for chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breaths. Thus, you should always look for a program that meets your needs by looking for courses that are accredited, offer hands-on practice, and are taught by qualified instructors.
