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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Children Age 1 to Early Teens

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Children Age 1 to Early Teens

(Lay Rescuer CPR for Children Age 1 to Early Teens)

Definition

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a series of steps to help a person who is not responding and has stopped breathing. CPR helps deliver oxygen rich blood to the body tissue when the body is not able to do this on its own.

Reasons for Procedure

CPR is given to a child who is not breathing. This may be due to:

The outcome will depend on the cause and how soon effective CPR was started. Many are unable to regain a normal heartbeat after it has stopped.

Possible Complications

It is possible that ribs will fracture or break during chest compressions. This is more likely in children with weakened bones. Other complications are also possible, such as lung puncture. However, there is greater risk of death if CPR is delayed or not done correctly.

What to Expect

Call Your Child's Doctor

Call the doctor if your child is unresponsive. If someone is with you, have that person call for emergency medical services right away. If you are alone, do CPR for about 2 minutes before calling for medical help.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • CPR steps. American Red Cross website. Available at: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps. Accessed September 3, 2021.
  • Pediatric basic life support (BLS). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/pediatric-basic-life-support-bls. Accessed September 3, 2021.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2023-03-16

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.