December 30, 2024, 2:56 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The ultimate horror for parents: The child is unconscious, not breathing–cardiac arrest. Now, first aid is crucial. However, there’s a key difference in resuscitating children that must be considered.
In the event of cardiac arrest, time is of the essence–even when it involves a child. According to the German Heart Foundation, the brain can suffer permanent damage after just three to five minutes without oxygen. This is often before an ambulance can arrive. Therefore, proper first aid can be critical–the following three steps can help in resuscitating a child.
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Overview
Step 1: Assess the Critical Situation
Is the child unresponsive? Now it’s important to check if they are breathing regularly. The Heart Foundation advises placing a hand on the child’s chest to better feel if it rises and falls.
If it doesn’t or only does so irregularly, it’s not enough to supply the organs with sufficient oxygen: Resuscitation is needed. If there is regular breathing, first responders should place the child in the recovery position and continue to monitor their breathing.
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Step 2: Call for Help
In emergencies, it’s invaluable not to be alone. If two first responders are present, one can start resuscitating the child immediately if they are not breathing. The other should call emergency services at 112.
Also of interest: When to call 112–and when not to
Alone with the child? If in public, you can shout to alert others to the emergency. If that’s not possible, first responders should call emergency services, put the call on speaker, and begin resuscitation, advises the Heart Foundation.
Step 3: Begin Resuscitation with Rescue Breaths
In adults, cardiac arrest is often due to heart disease. In children, however, breathing problems are a common cause, according to the Heart Foundation. Therefore, resuscitating children differs in one key aspect: It starts with five rescue breaths, not with chest compressions as in adults.
- Check the mouth: First, the child must be prepared. This includes opening their mouth and checking for any objects. If present, they should be removed.
- Correct the child’s head position: The head should be slightly tilted back with the chin lifted to keep the airway open. Exception: For children under one year, the head should be in a neutral position.
- Give rescue breaths: Now it’s time for the five rescue breaths. The first responder places their lips around the child’s mouth and breathes out evenly and firmly for about one second. Gently pinch the child’s nose with the index finger and thumb. For a baby, breathe into both the mouth and nose. If the chest visibly rises, it indicates the rescue breath was performed correctly. Once it falls again, it’s time for the next breath.
- Begin chest compressions: If there are no signs of life after the five rescue breaths, chest compressions are necessary. The child should be on a firm surface. The first responder kneels beside the body and places the heel of one or both hands on the lower half of the breastbone. With straight arms, press down about two inches and then release. The duration of pressure and release should be equal, according to the Heart Foundation. The rate for chest compressions is 100 to 120 times per minute.
For children, after 30 compressions, follow with two rescue breaths. First responders should continue this sequence until the emergency team takes over the young patient. Important to know: For infants, first responders perform chest compressions with two fingers, pressing down about 1.5 inches on the lower half of the chest. Pressing too hard can cause injuries.