CPR for Toddlers: Toddlers are constantly on the move, exposing them to several dangers which makes CPR necessary. Armed with safety information and first aid skills, any parent will be prepared for any emergencies their little children find themselves in.
Toddler CPR
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a vital first aid technique that can save lives in life-threatening emergencies. It is particularly used in breathing difficulties, including choking, near-drowning, and even heart attack.
Anyone, regardless of age, may need CPR intervention at some point. Though the basis of this procedure is the same for all ages, CPR for toddlers may require special attention. It is due to the fact that children are fragile and weaker than adults.
Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a toddler could be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the steps or guidelines. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key differences between toddler and adult CPR and a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR on a child.
Key Differences Between Toddler And Adult CPR
Toddlers and adults have different needs when it comes to the execution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The two have different development variations in the structure, which is a factor when delivering lifesaving techniques in an emergency.
An article from Mayo Clinic indicates that the American Heart Association recommends that adult CPR start with hard and fast chest compressions to be effective. This practice can be different for toddlers as the smaller ones tend to be fragile.
Though there are apparent similarities in delivery, their differences are also important aspects that you must consider. In that case, you must learn how to perform CPR properly depending on their age when emergencies occur.
CPR Steps For Toddlers
Taking immediate action to provide care is vital in emergencies involving a toddler, especially if the child is unresponsive and not breathing.
If other bystanders are around, have them call triple zero (000) while you check for responsiveness. Shake the child’s shoulder, call out to them, or tap their heel.
If there is no response, follow these CPR steps for a child between one and eight years old.
1. Clear The Airway
Gently lift the toddler’s chin to a neutral position, with their head tilted back slightly. Check their mouth for blockages (e.g., vomit, toys, debris, etc.), and try to clear it with your finger.
2. Look For Breathing
look, listen, and feel if the toddler is showing signs of breathing. If they are conscious, place them in the recovery position or on their side. If the child is unconscious and non-breathing, begin CPR.
3. Start CPR
Lie the toddler on their back as you start with the compressions. Place your hand in the centre of the child’s chest. Start pushing to a third of the depth of the chest.
Perform 30 chest compressions and pause briefly to give two rescue breaths. Do this by placing your mouth over the toddler’s mouth with their nose pinched.
Keep repeating cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths until there are signs of life.
4. Use an AED
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available on hand, power on the device and follow the prompts to deliver a necessary shock.
Keep going until the toddler begins breathing normally or until the emergency medical services can take over. Keep monitoring the child’s breathing and be ready to start CPR anytime.
Schedule Your Child CPR Training In Canberra
While having the knowledge of CPR and first aid for toddlers are important, having hands-on training from a recognised training provider will ensure you are confident to step intervene in the event of an emergency,
Learn first aid for a child who is unresponsive and not breathing by enrolling in a CPR course.
Get the training you need and schedule your first aid class today. First Aid Course Canberra provides a wide range of courses, with our classes taught by experienced professionals in the field.
To learn more, call us at (08) 7120 2570 or check our page for upcoming training near you.