Quick Answer
Yes, CPR techniques differ for infants, children, and adults due to variations in body size, blood volume, and heart rate. Infants and children have smaller chests and require less chest compression force, while adults require more force to generate adequate cardiac output. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides guidelines for each age group.
Infant CPR (0-12 months)
Infant CPR is performed with a few key differences from adult CPR. Place the infant on a firm surface, with the head slightly lower than the body. Pinch the nose shut and give one breath, taking 1-2 seconds and making the chest rise. The recommended chest compression depth for infants is 1/4 to 1/3 of the chest cavity, or about 1/4 inch (6 mm) for most infants. The compression rate should be 30-35 times per minute. Allow for full chest recoil after each compression.
Child CPR (1-8 years)
Child CPR is similar to adult CPR but with some adjustments. Children’s chests are generally smaller than adults’, so the compression force should be reduced. The recommended compression depth for children is 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest cavity, or about 1/4 to 1/3 inch (6-8 mm). The compression rate is also slightly faster, at 30-100 times per minute. Child CPR follows the same 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio as adult CPR, with 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths.
Adult CPR (9 years and older)
Adult CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. The compression depth should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) and allow for full chest recoil after each compression. The recommended compression rate is 100-120 times per minute. The 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio remains the same, with 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths.
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