Paediatric basic life support

Paediatric basic life support

Cardiopulmonary arrest in children usually results from hypoxia due to respiratory or neurological failure or shock. If it occurs, irrespective of the cause, basic life support (BLS) must be started immediately.

Paediatric basic life support algorithm

1. First things

·   Assess the safety of the situation.

·   Stimulate the child and check responsiveness.

2.  Shout for help

 Open the airway

Give head tilt and chin lift, or jaw thrust

4.  Assess breathing

Look, listen, and feel

5.  If no breathing: rescue breaths

Child: 5 breaths mouth to mouth

Infant: 5 breaths mouth to mouth and nose

6.  Assess the pulse

Child: at the carotid artery

Infant: at the brachial or femoral artery

7.  If HR <60/min and poor perfusion: chest compressions

Child >8yrs: use two-handed method for rate of 100/min and ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths

Child 1–8yrs: use heel of hand on the lower third of the sternum for rate of 100/min and ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths

Infant: use two fingers or the encircling chest technique if you have help at rate of 100/min and ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths

8.  Provide 1min of life support

9.  Contact emergency medical services