3.1 Adult, child, and infant CPR techniques

CPR techniques vary for adults, children, and infants due to differences in body size and physiology. Proper chest compression depth, hand placement, and compression-to-ventilation ratios are crucial for effective resuscitation in each age group.

Understanding these age-specific techniques is vital for providing life-saving care. This knowledge empowers rescuers to confidently perform CPR on individuals of all ages, maximizing the chances of survival during cardiac emergencies.

CPR Fundamentals

Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths

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• Chest compressions are a crucial component of CPR that help maintain blood circulation to vital organs (brain, heart) during cardiac arrest
• Perform chest compressions by pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest, allowing it to recoil completely between each compression
• Rescue breaths, also known as ventilations, provide oxygen to the lungs and are performed by giving mouth-to-mouth breaths or using a barrier device (pocket mask)
• Maintain an open airway during rescue breaths by tilting the head back and lifting the chin (head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver)

Compression Depth, Rate, and Hand Placement

• Compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths, repeated in cycles until help arrives or the person shows signs of life
• Compression depth for adults should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to ensure effective blood circulation without causing injury
• Maintain a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, aiming for a consistent rhythm to optimize blood flow
• Hand placement for adult chest compressions is on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), with the heel of one hand on top of the other and fingers interlaced

Airway Management

Positioning and Responsiveness

• Proper airway positioning is essential for maintaining an open airway during CPR and preventing obstruction by the tongue or other tissues
• Use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open the airway by placing one hand on the forehead and gently tilting the head back while using the fingertips of the other hand to lift the chin
• The recovery position is used for unresponsive individuals who are breathing normally to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration of fluids (vomit, saliva)
• Check for responsiveness by tapping the person's shoulder and asking loudly, "Are you okay?" before beginning CPR to determine the level of consciousness

CPR Scenarios

One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer CPR

• One-rescuer CPR is performed when only one trained individual is available to provide care, following the standard compression-to-ventilation ratio and technique
• Two-rescuer CPR allows for more efficient care, with one person performing chest compressions while the other provides rescue breaths and switches roles every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue
• When two rescuers are available, one should call for help (activate emergency response system) while the other begins CPR immediately

Calling for Help and High-Quality CPR

• Call for help as soon as possible by activating the emergency response system (calling 911) or sending someone to do so while you begin CPR
• Provide dispatchers with clear information about the location, the person's condition, and any other relevant details to ensure a rapid response
• High-quality CPR involves performing chest compressions and rescue breaths with proper technique, depth, rate, and minimal interruptions to maintain blood flow and oxygenation
• Continuously assess the person's condition and adjust care as needed, such as switching roles with another rescuer or using an AED when available