Checking vital signs

Check the airway; clear the airway; check for breathing.

  • If a child is unconscious, the first step is to check his mouth for anything blocking the airway. This could include his tongue, food, vomit or blood.

  • If a blockage is found, roll him onto his side, keeping his top leg bent as shown. This is known as the recovery position. Clear any blockages using your fingers, then check for breathing.

  • If no blockage is found, roll the child onto his back and check for breathing. Listen for the sound of the breath, look for movements of the chest, or feel for the breath on your cheek.

 

Rescue breathing

Check breathing; rescue breaths if not breathing; chest compressions if no signs of life.

  • If the child is breathing, gently roll her onto her side and into the recovery position, as shown. Phone 000 and check her regularly for continued signs of life until the ambulance arrives.

  • If the child is NOT breathing, place one hand on her forehead. With your other hand, lift her chin slightly so her mouth opens. Seal your mouth over her mouth, pinch her nose gently and blow steadily for two breaths.

  • If there are no signs of life after two breaths, make sure someone has phoned 000 and commence chest compressions.

 

Chest compressions

30 chest compressions; two steady breaths after compressions; alternate compressions and breaths.

  • Position the heel of your hands in the centre of the child’s chest. Interlace your fingers and lift them off the chest as shown. Using the heel of your hand, give 30 compressions. Each compression should depress the chest by about one third.

  • After 30 compressions, take a deep breath, seal your mouth over the child’s mouth, pinch his nose and give two steady breaths.

  • Continue giving 30 compressions followed by two breaths until medical help arrives. If signs of life return, put the child in the recovery position (see 2). Keep checking breathing, and be prepared to restart CPR at any time.

 
 
 
 
  • Last Updated 26-01-2011
  • Last Reviewed 02-11-2009
  • Acknowledgements

    Thanks to St John Ambulance Australia for their help in developing this content. Please note: This information is not a substitute for first-aid training. St John’s recommends that everyone is trained in first aid. For more information, visit the St John Ambulance website.