CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it can be performed on adults and children. CPR is commonly used for people who undergo sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. However, it can be used also in cases of trauma, sudden infant death syndrome and other emergencies. According to the American Heart Association, 5,800 people under the age of 18 suffer from sudden cardiac arrest outside of a medical facility.
Check and Open Airway
The first step to performing CPR is to check the airway of the child, according to Cincinnati Children. The person performing CPR should look to see if the child is breathing. Look for breathing by watching to see if the child's chest is rising and falling. Listen for breathing by placing your ear close to the child's mouth to listen for any breathing. Feel for any breaths from the child's mouth on the cheek. If none of this is found, make sure that nothing is obstructing the child's airway. Also tilt the chin up slightly with one hand, while placing the other hand on the child's forehead to open the airway.
Breathing
If the child is not breathing, the next step is to give the child slow breaths. According to First Aid Web, pinch the child's nose, cover her mouth with yours and administer two slow breaths.
Search for Pulse and Compressions
The next step of CPR is to search for a pulse and then give chest compressions, according to First Aid Web. Search for a pulse by placing the index and middle finger on the front of the child's neck. Placing the fingers here will allow the person giving CPR to feel the carotid pulse. Whether there is a pulse or not, chest compressions should be started. There should be five chest compressions and then 1 breath given. This can be done up to 20 times for children. It is important to remember not to press too hard while giving children compressions. Only use one hand for the compressions while pressing down only one inch.
