Infant/Child Chest Compressions

The universal rate for chest compressions in all cardiac arrest victims (adult, child, and infant) is 100 to 120 per minute. Similarly, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer is 30:2 across all age groups. For two-rescuer CPR, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for infants and children changes to 15:2, while adults remain at 30:2.

Chest Compression Technique

For most children, chest compressions are performed using two hands, just like in adult CPR. However, for very small children, compressions can be performed with one hand as long as the depth reaches at least 1/3 of the chest diameter (approximately 2 inches or 5 cm).

Guidelines for High-Quality Chest Compressions

• Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Compress the chest at least 1/3 of the chest diameter (about 2 inches or 5 cm for children).
• Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions.

Important: Do not move the victim unless they are face down, in immediate danger, or lying on a soft or unstable surface (e.g., a bed or bathtub).

Child Chest Compressions

1. Ensure the child is lying face up on a firm, flat surface.

   If you need to move or roll them over, do so with extreme caution, especially if a head or neck injury is suspected.

2. Position yourself correctly:

   Stand or kneel at the child’s side.

3. Hand Placement and Body Positioning:
   • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum).
   • Position the second hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers (or use one hand for very small children).
   • Straighten your arms and position your shoulders directly over your hands for maximum force.
4. Begin Chest Compressions:
   • Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute (think of the rhythm of the song “Staying Alive”).
   • Push hard and fast, at least 1/3 of the chest diameter (about 2 inches or 5 cm).
   • At the end of each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil before beginning the next compression.

Infant Chest Compressions

1. Ensure the infant is lying face up on a firm, flat surface.

   If you need to move or roll them over, do so with extreme caution, especially if a head or neck injury is suspected.

2. Hand Placement:
   • Place two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line (avoid pressing the tip of the breastbone).
3. Begin Chest Compressions:
   • Give compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
   • Compress at least 1/3 of the chest diameter (about 1.5 inches or 4 cm).
   • At the end of each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil.
4. Rescue Breaths:
   • After every 30 compressions, open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift technique.
   • Give 2 breaths, each lasting 1 second. The chest should visibly rise with each breath.
5. After 5 cycles (or approximately 2 minutes) of CPR:
   • Activate the Emergency Response System (ERS) and retrieve an AED.
   • Continue performing CPR and use the AED until emergency personnel arrive.