Final answer:
Child CPR requires special considerations such as applying less force during compressions, maintaining a 2-inch depth, using a 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio, and adjusting for a child's faster respiratory rate. Training and technique are crucial to performing CPR safely and effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When responding to a child in a CPR emergency, there are specific considerations to keep in mind compared to adult CPR. While the general steps of compressions, airway, and breathing remain the same, children require less force during compressions due to their smaller size. The correct depth of compressions for children is about 2 inches, rather than the 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) mentioned for adults. Additionally, the force must be adjusted so as not to cause harm to the child's more fragile body. The ratio of compressions to breaths for children and infants is also 30:2, the same as for adults, when performed by a single rescuer. However, two-rescuer CPR in infants and children uses a 15:2 ratio. It is important to ensure that proper training is obtained to perform CPR effectively, as incorrect technique can cause serious injury. For instance, placing hands too low on the sternum may result in damage to the xiphoid process and underlying organs.
Furthermore, the normal respiratory rate of a child decreases with age. A child under 1 year old typically has a respiratory rate of 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which decreases to 18 to 30 by the age of 10, and reaches adult rates of 12 to 18 by adolescence. Understanding these differences is critical in providing age-appropriate care in emergency situations. When administering CPR to a drowning victim, it is essential first to remove the person from the water, as CPR cannot be effectively performed in water.