🫀 CPR Differences: Adult, Child and Infant
Quick Reference Guide for Basic Life Support (BLS)
| Action | Adult | Child (1-8 years) | Infant (under 1 year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calling for Additional Resources | Immediately, then perform CPR. | If alone, 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call | If alone, 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call |
| Airway: Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift | Past neutral position | Slightly past neutral position | Neutral position |
| Ventilations: Respiratory Arrest | 1 ventilation every 5 to 6 seconds | 1 ventilation every 3 seconds | 1 ventilation every 3 seconds |
| Compression Rate | 100–120/minute | 100–120/minute | 100–120/minute |
| Compression Depth | At least 2 inches (5 cm) | About 2 inches (5 cm) | About 1½ inches (4 cm) |
| Compressions: Ventilations Ratio |
One rescuer: 30:2 Two rescuers: 30:2 |
One rescuer: 30:2 Two rescuers: 15:2 |
One rescuer: 30:2 Two rescuers: 15:2 |
| AED Pads |
Adult pads Age > 8 years Weight > 55 lbs (25 kg) |
Child pads: age 1–8 years, weight < 55 lbs Adult pads if child pads not available |
Child pads: below age of 1 year Adult pads if child pads not available |
| AED Pad Placement |
• Upper right chest below right clavicle to right of sternum • Left side of chest just below nipple line |
• Upper right chest below right clavicle to right of sternum • Left side of chest just below nipple line • If pads risk touching each other: anterior/posterior placement |
Anterior/posterior placement: • Middle of chest (anterior) • Back between scapulae (posterior) |
📌 Important CPR Notes:
- Adult: Age > 8 years or weight > 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Child: Age 1-8 years or weight < 55 lbs (25 kg)
- Infant: Age under 1 year (excluding newborns)
- Compression depth: Adult: 2 inches (5 cm) | Child: 2 inches (5 cm) | Infant: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- Two-rescuer CPR: Child/Infant ratio changes to 15:2 for better ventilation
- AED: Always use child pads if available for children 1-8 years. For infants, manual defibrillator preferred