CPR and Rescue Breathing for Children
1. Check for consciousness.
a. Gently tap the shoulder and shout.
No Response
2. Call 911.
3. Check for breathing:
a. If the child is lying on his stomach, turn him over onto his back.
b. Tilt the child's head back using the palm of one hand. At the same time lift up on the child's chin with 2 fingers of your other hand.
c. Put your ear close to the child's nose and mouth and watch his chest for any movement. Look, listen and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.
No Breathing
a. Keep the head tilted back, pinch the child's nose and place your mouth over his.
b. Give 2 slow, gentle breaths--just enough to make the chest rise.
Breaths Go In
Check for Breathing and a Pulse:
a. Check for a pulse by sliding your 2 fingers into the groove on the side of the child's neck as you look for signs of life and breathing for 10 seconds.
Pulse But No Breathing
Begin Rescue Breathing:
a. Tilt the head back. Lift the chin. Pinch the nose. Breathe slowly and gently into the child. Give one breath every 3 seconds (count 1-1000, 2-1000, breathe, etc.).
b. Recheck for breathing and pulse every 2 minutes.
No Pulse, No Breathing
Begin CPR:
a. Position one hand on the center of the child's chest, (if needed use two hands to compress the chest if the child is large). Place your other hand on the child's forehead, to keep his airway open.
b. Compress the child's chest 1 and 1/2 inches in depth 30 times. Give 2 breaths (continue with 30 compressions/2 breaths, 30 compressions/2 breaths, etc.).
Continue CPR until another rescuer takes over or you see signs of life.
If you are alone, provide 2 minutes of care before calling 911.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 1/07
