Infant and Child CPR

When performing CPR for infants and children, a shock is administered at a lower energy level suitable for the smaller body of the victim. Defibrillators have a paediatric protocol for victims up to approximately 8 years old or 25 kg.

Most modern defibrillators have the capability to defibrillate young children, except for models like the Telefunken defibrillator, the AED7000 and Primedic devices. Defibrillators suitable for paediatric CPR switch to a different protocol by inserting specific child electrodes, using a child key, or pressing a button. 

Below, we explain the differences between infant CPR, children CPR and adult CPR.

Difference in Causes of Cardiac Arrest in Adults and Children

There are several differences in the causes of cardiac arrest between children and adults. The main causes of cardiac arrest in adults include heart attacks (blockage of the coronary artery), (hereditary) arrhythmias, or accidents (such as drowning, car accidents, or electrical accidents). For infants and children, the primary causes of cardiac arrest are choking or suffocation, drowning, accidents, and (congenital) heart defects.

CPR for Infants and Children

For both infants and children, always start with 5 rescue breaths, followed by 15 chest compressions. There are distinctions in how to perform both the rescue breaths and the chest compressions between infants (0-1 year) and children (over 1 year). For a complete overview of all procedures, visit the website of the UK Resuscitation Council. 

However, we have summarized the key points for you:

Infant CPR (0-1 year)

• Breathe in, place your lips tightly around the infant's mouth and nose. If the infant is too large to cover both the mouth and nose, either breathe through the nose while closing the mouth or through the mouth while closing the nose. Blow gently into the mouth and/or nose for 1 second.
• Give a total of 5 rescue breaths.
• Place the tips of your index and middle fingers of one hand in the centre of the chest.
• Press the chest down about four centimetres at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Alternate the chest compressions and breaths at a ratio of 15:2.

CPR for Children (1 year and older)

• Breathe in and pinch the soft part of the nose shut. Place your lips tightly around the child's mouth. Blow gently into the mouth for 1 second.
• Give a total of 5 rescue breaths.
• Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest.
• With a straight arm, press the chest down about five centimetres at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If you cannot exert enough pressure with one hand, place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
• Alternate the chest compressions and breaths at a ratio of 15:2.

It is important to regularly attend a paediatric CPR course to keep your skills up to date and know what to do in an emergency. Using an infant CPR manikin or child CPR manikin during training can help improve your technique and confidence. This hands-on practice with an infant CPR manikin ensures you are better prepared to respond swiftly and correctly in a real-life emergency involving a child.