If you are performing CPR on a child, what modifications should be made?

When performing CPR on a child, it is essential to modify the technique to accommodate their smaller size and developing physiology. Using one hand for compressions is appropriate for children because their chests are narrower and less robust than those of adults. This allows for effective compressions without causing injury, while also ensuring that the rescuer can maintain proper form and technique.

Moreover, compressions should be around 1.5 to 2 inches deep, which is slightly shallower than the depth recommended for adult CPR. This adjustment helps ensure that the compressions are effective while minimizing the risk of harm to the child’s ribs or internal organs, which are more fragile compared to adults.

Maintaining an appropriate rate of compressions and ensuring a complete chest recoil are also critical elements of effective CPR on children. Therefore, modifying the technique to one-handed compressions and adjusting the depth is vital for effective lifesaving efforts in pediatric cases.