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CPR for children over 1 year

A guide to cardiopulmonary resuscitation for children over one year through to adults

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 any items blocking the airway. These could include his tongue, food, vomit or blood.
  • If blockages are 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

  • If the child is breathing, gently roll him onto his side and into the recovery position, as shown. Phone 000 and check him regularly for continued signs of life until the ambulance arrives
  • If the child is NOT breathing, place one hand on his forehead and with your other hand, lift his chin slightly so his mouth opens. Seal your mouth over his mouth, pinch his 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

  • 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 2 steady breaths.
  • Continue giving 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until medical help arrives. If signs of life return, move the child into the recovery position (see #2), however, continue to monitor breathing and be prepared to recommence CPR at any time.
 
 
  • Last updated04-09-2008
  • Last reviewed04-09-2008
  • 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.