BLS for Children One to Puberty
There are major resemblances in BLS guidelines for adults and children. Listed below, however, are the defining differences of the age groups:
- In the case of children, the compression to breaths ratio should be 30:2 for one rescuer and 15:2 for two rescuers for all age groups.
- Depth compression may vary depending on the child or infant’s size. Start with at least one-third the depth of the child’s chest, which may be less than 2 inches for smaller children and 2 inches more for bigger children (4-5 cm).
- As a sole rescuer with an unresponsive child, immediately execute CPR operations for not more than two minutes and then quickly phone for EMS before you look for an AED. The ILCOR points to the universality of cell phones with speakerphone functions, allowing you to simultaneously care for the child as you contact health specialists.
- Cardiac events are uncommon in children and are usually prompted by respiratory complications. There is a significant increase in the survival rate when respiratory complications are quickly addressed. Remember, prevention is the preliminary step in the Pediatric Chain of Survival.
- With a child, respond the same way you would to an adult emergency by calling EMS and securing an AED.