Find
the lowest tip of the breastbone. Position the heel of your hand two
finger widths toward the head.
Place
your other hand on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers.
Sit up
and lean over so that your shoulders are directly above your hands.
Using
your shoulders and upper body, push down on the chest (a compression) 15
times in 10 seconds.
Stop
compressions and give two slow breaths.
Give
adults 15 more compressions in 10 seconds followed by two slow breaths,
repeating this 4 times. Check for pulse and breathing.
For
children up to age 8, give 5 compression in 3 seconds followed by one slow
breath, repeating 12 times before checking for pulse and breathing. NOTE:
Do not offer as much force during compressions for children as for an
adult.
Continue
this until the victim’s pulse and breath return or medical personnel
arrive on the scene.
Infants
The only difference between adult and child CPR is the
number of compressions and breaths per cycle and the amount of force used
during compressions. Infants have a few more differences.
Place
your index, middle, and ring fingers directly between and just below the
infant’s nipples. The pads of your fingers should be facing you.
Lift
your index finger, but keep your middle and ring fingers in place and
offer the same number of compressions and breaths as for children: 5
compressions in 3 seconds followed by one slow breath in cycles of 12.
Between
cycles, check for breathing and pulse.
Continue
until professional help arrives or the infant begins breathing or regains
a heartbeat.
If a child has been struck by lightning or was drowning
when you found him or her, properly performed CPR has an excellent chance of
helping the child regain a heartbeat and breathing. Don’t give up! And don’t
forget to offer less force during compressions for children and infants. You
don’t want to crack a rib!