CPR first steps: call for help and check airway
Remove child and yourself from any danger. If the child is unconscious, not responding or breathing abnormally, call an ambulance on 000.
Check the child’s mouth for anything blocking the airway. This could include his tongue, food, vomit or blood.
If you find a blockage, roll the child onto his side, keeping his top leg bent. This is the recovery position. Clear blockages with your fingers, then check for breathing.
Next CPR steps: breathing
If there are no blockages and/or you’ve cleared blockages, check for breathing. Look for chest movements, listen for breathing sounds, or feel for breath on your cheek.
Child breathing normally? Gently roll him onto his side and into the recovery position. Regularly check for breathing until the ambulance arrives.
Child not breathing? Child not responding or child breathing abnormally? Start CPR.
CPR steps until help arrives: chest compressions and rescue breaths
Put the heels of your hands in the centre of the child’s chest. Using the heel of your hand, give 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. 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. Make sure the child’s head is tilted back to open his airway.
Keep giving 30 compressions then 2 breaths until medical help arrives. If the child starts breathing and responding, turn him into the recovery position. Keep watching his breathing and be ready to start CPR again at any time.