Final answer:
To perform child CPR, one must ensure safety, check for responsiveness, open the airway, check for breathing, initiate chest compressions and rescue breaths, and continue until help arrives or the child recovers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Performing CPR on a child is critical when their heart has stopped, and it is important to do so with precision to maintain blood flow especially to the brain. Here is a list of steps to follow for child CPR:
Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the child.
- Check for responsiveness by gently tapping and shouting at the child. If there is no response, call for emergency help immediately.
- Open the child's airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Check for breathing. If there is no breathing or only gasping, start CPR.
- Place the heel of one hand on the sternum of the child, in line between the nipples (between T4 and T9 vertebrae).
- Perform 30 chest compressions at the depth of at least 5 cm and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.
- Give 2 rescue breaths if trained in rescue breathing, ensuring chest rise with each breath.
- Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives, an AED is available, or the child shows signs of life.
It's essential to take care to perform the compressions correctly to minimize the risk of injuries such as broken ribs or damage to the liver if the hands are placed too low. Proper training in CPR is vital, and certification is recommended for medical personnel and the public.