On our courses when we teach first aid in ages, a baby is considered birth till 1 years old, and when giving CPR we would use two fingers to administer the chest compression if they were in respiratory arrest. With children aged 1 to puberty we would use the one hand to administer CPR. 

This has now changed to 1 to 18 years old for one handed CPR and an emphasis on mouth to mouth. 

Why has the changes happened? 

The changes have been made to reflect the research that indicates that the likelihood of a child up to the age of 18 stopping breathing because of cardiac related issue is highly unlikely, and that the most common reason would be respiratory related. When a child up to 18 years old stops breathing it is important to start the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with 5 rescues breathes.  

Once the 5 rescues breaths have been administered, start chest compressions with one hand in the centre of the chest. This should be completed at a depth of 2-3 cms and a speed of >120 chest compressions a minute, whilst counting to 30.  

Respiratory arrest and the need to perform CPR on a child is rare. The latest changes to the Resuscitation Council guidelines also places renewed emphasis on calling 999 and listening the emergency medical advisor, they will give you all the instructions you need to preform living saving CPR.

More information: 

We are delighted to be offering a FREE ONLINE update session on the 21st October to explain the new Resus Guidelines and to give our workplaces information on providing first aid in the return to the office.  https://www.surreyfirstaid.com/course-booking-system/first-aid-at-work-refresher/free-covid-19-cpr-and-updates-zoom-workshop.html