What are the CPR steps for children and adults?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving skill that can literally save lives. It is a special technique applied when a person is not breathing properly or their heart has suddenly stopped beating due to cardiac arrest. The procedure is generally the same for children and adults, with only a few minor differences, which will be noted later in this article.

First, let’s go through the steps that are the same for both groups:

1. Check if the person is consciousGently tap their shoulders and ask how they are feeling. If they do not respond, proceed to the next steps.

2. Call emergency servicesIf you encounter a severely injured or unconscious person, immediately call emergency medical services. If you are not trained in CPR, they can guide you over the phone.

3. Open the airwayTilt the person’s head back and lift the chin to open the airway.

4. Check for breathingLook for chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and try to feel the breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, you can begin chest compressions.

5. Chest compressionsUse both hands: place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and the other hand on top. Using your body weight, compress the chest about 5 cm deep for adults, and slightly shallower for children. Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100–120 per minute. One compression consists of pushing down and releasing.

6. Rescue breathsPinch the soft part of the person’s nose, take a breath, and give 2 breaths into their mouth. Each breath should last no longer than 1 second.

7. Continue the cycleContinue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives or the person regains consciousness.