Toddler CPR – How Is it Different?

Toddler CPR, or child CPR, is performed on children over one year of age up to 12 years of age.  The best online CPR and First Aid certification is one that you are able to complete in a format that is best for you.  Online child CPR and First Aid certification provides a way for busy individuals to learn these important lifesaving skills in a convenient manner when they have the free time to do so.  Most online certifications are valid for one year. Online CPR recertification can also be completed online so you never have to worry about your certification expiring and having to find the time to locate a class in your area to attend.

Performing CPR on a toddler or child is a little different than performing CPR on an infant or adult. Toddlers have smaller bodies than older children. If they are small enough, you can use just one hand for chest compression instead of two which is the standard for CPR training. The depths of compressions are also not as deep as they are with an older child or adult. The depth of chest compressions should only be one and half inches instead of the two inches depth that is used for older children and adults. Compressions are still performed for a count of thirty and two breaths are still performed the same as with older children and adults.  

There may be a situation when it is not safe to give breaths during CPR. Current studies have shown that in the event CPR must performed and it is not safe to give two breaths, it is okay to just do chest compressions without a breath and to do the chest compressions repeatedly until emergency help arrives. Chest compressions only do not have to be counted since you are performing them on repeat without stopping. An example of a situation when it may not be safe to perform CPR using breaths would be if your victim was in a car accident and their face is covered in blood. Most people do not carry face shields to perform CPR and coming into contact with bodily fluids is not safe to do. Of course, if you know the person or the child is your own, you are able to make that call accordingly.

Taking an online CPR course can teach you the lifesaving skills you need to save a life. Get started learning today!

MyCPR NOW CPR/AED CERTIFICATION
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