Step-by-Step CPR Guide for Children
If you’re in an emergency please dial 000.
Please note the guide below is tailored to children ages 1-8 and will be different to CPR delivered to an adult.
This guide does not substitute HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
Before Starting CPR:
Use the DRSABCD Method as shown below:
Start CPR:
After following steps D, R, S, A and B, and it has been unsuccessful, the patient is still not breathing and has no pulse begin CPR.
1. Place them on a firm surface and kneel beside them.
2. The heel of your hand should go in the centre of the chest with the other interlocked over the top.
3. Straighten your arms and hold yourself over the top of the casualties chest.
4. Push down 1/3 of their chest using the weight of your body.
5. Release and push again
After 30 compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths.
6. Tilt their head back by placing one hand on their forehead and the other under their chin
7. Pinch their nose using your thumb and index finger, using your other hand to open their mouth
8. Take a deep breath before forming a seal around the casualty’s mouth. Blow for roughly a second and watch for the chest rising and falling, then give another breath
9. Keep repeating the process- aim to do five cycles every 2 minutes. If you are feeling tired, swap with someone every 5 cycles.
Using an AED
Most businesses use an AED so if you find that one is available then use it.
AED’s help analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and instructs you when to pause CPR so that it can deliver a shock.
It will also tell you when to resume CPR .
Paediatric pads should be used on children under 25kg and less than eight years old. If the pads are too close together then place one pad on the child’s front and one on the back.
When to Stop CPR
You should only cease delivering CPR if one of the following occurs.
- The situation becomes too dangerous to continue
- A health professional takes over
- Normal breathing resumes for the casualty
- It is impossible to continue
If the casualty starts breathing:
Continue to monitor them and place them in the recovery position as shown.
