How to Perform CPR on a Child: A Step-by-Step Guide Every Parent Should Know

Emergencies happen without warning. Whether at home, school, or on the playground, knowing how to respond in a life-threatening situation can make the difference between life and death. One of the most critical lifesaving skills is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While many people are familiar with adult CPR, the steps for children are slightly different and tailored to their smaller, more delicate bodies.

This guide will walk you through the proper way to perform CPR on a child between the ages of 1 and puberty. (For infants under 1 year, the technique is different and should be learned separately.)

Why Child CPR is Different

Children are not simply “small adults.” Their bodies are still developing, and their airways and chest structures are more fragile. Most cardiac arrests in children are caused by breathing problems, choking, or trauma rather than heart disease, which is the primary cause in adults. Because of this, the focus in child CPR is on providing effective rescue breaths as well as compressions.

---

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Check Responsiveness

Before rushing in, make sure the environment is safe for both you and the child. Look for hazards such as fire, electrical dangers, or traffic.

• Gently tap the child on the shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?”

• Watch for any signs of movement, breathing, or responsiveness.

If the child does not respond, it’s time to act quickly.

Step 2: Call for Help

• If someone else is nearby, have them call 911 immediately and bring an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available.

• If you are alone, provide two minutes of CPR first before leaving the child to call 911 and retrieve an AED. This step is crucial because oxygen deprivation is often the cause of cardiac arrest in children.

---

Step 3: Open the Airway

• Place the child on a firm, flat surface on their back.

• Tilt the head back slightly using one hand on the forehead while lifting the chin with the other hand. This “head tilt, chin lift” maneuver helps open the airway.

• Check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Look for chest movement, listen for air, and feel for breath on your cheek.

If the child is not breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR.

Step 4: Give Rescue Breaths

Because children often stop breathing before their heart stops, effective breaths are essential.

• Pinch the child’s nose shut.

• Seal your mouth over the child’s mouth.

• Give two gentle breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise.

• If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.

---

Step 5: Chest Compressions

After giving two breaths, move immediately into chest compressions.

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the child’s chest (between the nipples). For larger children, you may need to use both hands stacked together.

• Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands.

• Push down hard and fast—about 2 inches deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (similar to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive”).

• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.