What’s the difference in CPR depth for children and adults?

CPR Techniques for Children

When performing CPR on a child, it’s essential to adjust your technique to accommodate their smaller size and physiology. For a child between the ages of 1 and 12, the chest compression depth is 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). This is significantly shallower than the 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) used for adults. The goal is to allow for effective blood circulation without causing unnecessary damage to the child’s fragile chest.

Differences in CPR for Children and Infants

Another critical consideration when performing CPR on a child is their age. Infants under 12 months require a slightly different approach. For infants, the chest compression depth is typically 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest’s front-to-back diameter. This works out to approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) for most infants. It’s also essential to position the infant correctly on their back with their head slightly tilted, ensuring their airway remains open.

Key Takeaways for CPR on Children

When performing CPR on a child, remember the following key points: use a child-sized mask and adjust your hand position to accommodate their smaller size; ensure the chest compression depth is 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm); and if the child is an infant, use a chest compression depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of their chest’s front-to-back diameter.