At what age is an individual considered an adult for CPR purposes?

For CPR purposes, an individual is considered an adult at the age of 18. This age is often used in many programs and guidelines, including those associated with CPR training, to delineate between pediatric and adult care. This distinction is significant because the techniques and approaches used in CPR care can differ based on whether a person is classified as an adult or a child.

Understanding this age threshold is critical for first responders, as it influences how they assess and apply emergency response techniques. For example, the physiological differences in heart size, airway anatomy, and energy requirements dictate that adult CPR involves different compression rates and depths compared to those used for children. Thus, recognizing 18 as the adult threshold is vital for maintaining effective and appropriate care in emergency situations.