If you have children or work with children, it is suggested, or sometimes even required, that you obtain your CPR Certification. Knowing how to administer CPR could prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths every year. For this reason, every family member and child caregiver should get their CPR Certification. Children are exposed to daily dangers that could lead to an interruption in breathing or loss of consciousness.
Dangers include:
- Choking
- Allergic reactions.
- Drowning while swimming or in the bathtub.
- Asthma attacks or other breathing issues.
- Electrical shock.
What to Do if a Child is Unresponsive
When you get your CPR Certification you will learn how to perform CPR on adults, infants and children (defined as ages 1-8 by the AHA).
The first step Child CPR is to assess the child for unresponsiveness by tapping the child on the shoulder or gently shaking them while asking “Are you okay?” If the child does not respond, you must begin CPR. It is important to remember that if you are ALONE with an unresponsive child, you should do CPR for 2 minutes BEFORE calling 911. If you are with someone else, have them call 911 while you begin CPR and make sure they acknowledge your request.
Performing Child CPR
Child CPR should be performed with the child laying on a hard, flat surface:
Step 1- Chest Compression
- Kneel down next to the child’s chest.
- Using the heel of your palm, place your hand on the center of the child’s chest in line with the victim’s nipples. Keep your arm and back straight and use one hand only.
- Give 30 chest compression (about 2” deep), at a rate of 100 compression per minute without pausing or stopping.
Step 2- Rescue Breathing
- The airway is opened by tilting the child’s head backward and lifting the chin up slightly.
- Look, listen and feel for breathing. If the child is not breathing, breathing inadequately, or gasping for air, give 2 rescue breaths.
- Pinch the child’s nose and cover the child’s mouth tightly with your own, forming a seal. Give 2 rescue breaths forceful enough to cause the chest to rise. If the chest does not rise, re-tilt the head and try again.
Step 3- Continuing Child CPR
- The sequence of Child CPR is 30 chest compression followed by 2 rescue breaths. This is repeated until the child is breathing and has a pulse, or until professional help arrives.
It is important to obtain CPR Certification so you know what to do in case of a life-threatening emergency. Your skills could save a life!
CPR AED Certification 