Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that everyone should know, and even online CPR course options are available, making it easier than ever to get your certificate. However, did you know that the technique is different for different age groups? Keep reading to learn more about how to properly perform the technique on infants, children, adults, and elderly individuals.
Infants
The American Heart Association (AHA) publishes guidelines for CPR that are followed by most first responders in the United States. The AHA breaks down CPR into different age groups, with different techniques for each group. Babies require a slightly different approach to CPR than children due to their smaller size and developing physiology. In infants, you should perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. You should use two fingers to compress the breastbone 1-2 inches deep. When giving rescue breaths, you should pinch the nose shut and give one breath every 3 seconds.
Children and Adults
Not many people know how to do CPR on a child or adult, and even fewer people know how to do it properly. If you find yourself in a situation where someone needs saving, it’s important to know what to do. First, make sure the scene is safe. If the person is still conscious, ask them what’s wrong. If they’re not conscious, check for a pulse and breathing. Once you’ve determined that the person needs help, follow these steps:
- Check for an airway. If the person is not breathing, open their airway and check for obstructions.
- Perform chest compressions. Push down on the person’s chest at least 2 inches and keep a consistent rhythm.
- Give rescue breaths. Pinch the person’s nose shut and give two breaths. Make sure the person’s chest rises after each breath.
- Continue CPR until the person starts breathing on their own or medical help arrives.
Elderly Individuals
The AHA recommends that CPR be performed on children and adults using the same basic steps and techniques. However, there are some specific differences when it comes to CPR for elderly patients. One of the most important distinctions is that the AHA recommends using only 30 chest compressions per minute when providing CPR to elderly patients. This is because elderly patients are more likely to have a slow heart rate, and providing too many compressions per minute can actually do more harm than good. Another difference is that the AHA recommends using two fingers to compress the chest of an elderly patient, as opposed to the traditional method of using both hands. This is because the bones in an elderly person’s chest are often less flexible and more brittle than those of a younger person. Using two fingers helps to avoid breaking the ribs.
When providing rescue breaths to an elderly patient, the AHA recommends using a smaller mouth-to-mouth opening than what is typically used for children and adults. This is because elderly patients often have smaller lungs, and forcing too much air into their lungs can cause them to vomit or aspirate. Finally, it is important to remember that elderly patients are more likely to have other health conditions that can complicate the process. For example, they may be more likely to suffer a heart attack, or they may be taking medications that can increase the risk of complications. This is why it is so important to be familiar with the specific guidelines for CPR for elderly patients.
CPR is important for different age groups overall because it can help to save lives. CPR is a skill that can be used to help people who have stopped breathing or who have had a heart attack. The sooner the process is started, the better the chance of survival.
