Different Causes
Unlike adults, children rarely have primary cardiac arrests from arrhythmias. Most pediatric arrests follow respiratory failure or shock, so hypoxia is the main driver. Early ventilation is therefore critical.
CPR Ratios
For a single rescuer, use 30 compressions to 2 breaths for infants and children. With two rescuers, use 15 compressions to 2 breaths. Compress at 100 to 120 per minute to about one-third the depth of the chest. For infants, use two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique with two rescuers.
AED Use
Attach the AED as soon as it is available. Use pediatric pads for children under 8 years or under 55 pounds if available. A pulse check in infants uses the brachial artery and should take no longer than 10 seconds.