How Do I Perform CPR on Children (Ages 1 to 12 years)?
You Arrive on the Scene
Check the scene for safety. Check the child for consciousness. Gently tap them on the shoulder and shout.
No Response
Call 911 immediately.
If the child is lying on their stomach, turn them over onto their back. They should be lying on a hard flat surface.
Check for Breathing and Signs of Life:
Watch their chest for any normal movement. Look for signs of life and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
No Breathing or Signs of Life
Begin CPR:
- Position one hand on the center of the child's chest; place your other hand on top.
- With your elbows locked and arms straight, lean over the child’s chest and compress the child's chest two inches in depth 30 times at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- After the compressions, give breaths. Give breaths by tilting the head back, lifting the chin and pinching the nose. Place your mouth over theirs and give two slow, gentle breaths – just enough to make their chest rise.
- Continue with 30 compressions / 2 breaths, 30 compressions / 2 breaths, etc.
Continue CPR until another rescuer takes over, you see signs of life or help arrives.
Education Opportunities
The Center for Simulation and Research at Cincinnati Children’s offers CPR classes for patient families. Call 513-636-1096 for more information or to sign up for a class.
