CPR for children over 1 year

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.

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.

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.