Knowing the Difference Between the Adult and Child CPR in Boulder
Have you ever tried to learn a skill that, up to today, you don’t know why you started learning in the first place? But for some reason, you fail to remove it from your memory and can’t imagine not knowing how to do it.
Now try to imagine if that skill is useful, something that might save someone’s life. What skill comes to mind that is proven useful and easy to learn?
Think about it; you’re making a difference when you learn how to perform CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. CPR is a technique that 70% of Americans feel they are not confident enough to perform, even though it makes a difference.
This technique is something that you should not leave only to medical practitioners as time is key in giving CPR. Immediately Performing it increases a person’s chance of survival threefold.
Aside from learning the skill of administering CPR, one of the most important aspects is knowing the difference between adult and child CPR.
Differences in performing adult and child CPR
Why is it important to know the difference in performing CPR on children and adults in Boulder?
It is a simple yet complicated question to answer. CPR’s principles are still the same regardless of the age of the recipient. The most straightforward answer is their physiology.
Knowing the main principles of CPR is the first step in understanding the difference between adult and child CPR. The guidelines state that you provide chest compression for blood flow and rescue breathing to give the lungs oxygen.
As the principle for assisting adults, children or infants remains the same; you should consider certain key differences. With differences pertaining to an adult and a child’s physiology already considered, you should also note the difference between a child and an infant.
For children/infants, in contrast to an adult, checking their airway is the first step you must take. Their breathing and heartbeat usually stop because of a blockage rather than a cardiac arrest. This issue is often the result of suffocation, choking, or other injury caused by a blockage to their airway. With this knowledge, it is crucial to perform CPR on kids right away as it increases their chance of survival.
What to do if an Adult, Child, or Infant is unconscious?
Remember to check if they are unconscious before performing CPR, but determining this on an adult is different from an infant. You can tap or shake an adult but never on an infant. Tapping or flicking the soles of their feet is the most common method to check their responsiveness.
If you observe no motion, proceed with CPR.
Just remember that if you have a companion, have them call 911 first. If you’re alone, the scenario changes. For an adult, if it comes to a decision, call 911 first but for infants and children, perform five cycles of compressions and rescue breaths first before contacting 911.
How to Perform CPR on an Adult, Child, and Infant?
After confirming that the person is unresponsive, make sure they are lying firmly on a flat surface. Perform chest compressions properly as they are highly effective in circulating blood to the victim’s brain and other organs.
The difference between having the knowledge to perform CPR and being trained to perform CPR are worlds apart. Being trained in infant and child CPR makes a significant difference as the likelihood of saving them is high. There is no harm in getting yourself prepared, particularly with statistics showing that you would most likely help your own child at home.
What better way to start on your path of learning CPR than look for the nearest classes near you. Why not try CPR Professionals’ BLS/CPR classes by checking out their courses?
