When a child is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. Quick and confident action could be the difference between life and death. Pediatric CPR is designed to address these emergencies swiftly, and knowing the guidelines ensures you’re prepared to respond effectively.
At One Love CPR, we specialize in CPR training and certification to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to act fast during critical moments. Let’s explore why quick action is vital during pediatric CPR and how our courses in New Jersey can help you save lives.
The 10-Second Rule: Acting Without Delay
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends spending no more than 10 seconds checking for a pulse and signs of normal breathing in a pediatric cardiac emergency. Why so brief?
- Brain Damage Begins Quickly: A child’s brain is more sensitive to oxygen deprivation than an adult’s, and irreversible damage can occur within 4-6 minutes.
- Delays Reduce Survival Odds: Delivering chest compressions immediately helps circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs, improving the chances of recovery.
- Misjudging a Pulse: Stressful situations make it hard to feel a weak pulse accurately, which is why guidelines favor starting compressions without delay.
The mantra for pediatric CPR is “look and go”—check for responsiveness and begin high-quality chest compressions if no pulse or normal breathing is detected within 10 seconds.
Key Steps in Pediatric CPR
Here’s a quick guide to responding during a pediatric cardiac emergency:
- Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the child and call their name. If there’s no response, proceed to the next step.
- Call for Help: Activate 911 and request an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
- Perform Chest Compressions:
- For infants, use two fingers to compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep.
- For children, use one or two hands to compress the chest about 2 inches deep.
- Maintain a compression rate of 100-120 per minute.
- Provide Rescue Breaths: If trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Ensure the airway is open before delivering breaths.
Continue CPR until professional medical help arrives or the child shows signs of recovery.
Why Choose One Love CPR for Your Training?
At One Love CPR, we believe that life-saving skills should be accessible, practical, and tailored to your needs. Here’s what makes us the go-to CPR training provider in New Jersey:
- AHA-Certified Instructors: Learn from experienced trainers who provide hands-on, real-world guidance.
- Flexible Scheduling: Our courses are designed to fit into your busy life with evening and weekend classes.
- Comprehensive Training: From pediatric CPR to BLS certification, we cover it all to ensure you’re prepared for any emergency.
- Convenient Locations: We’re proud to serve communities across New Jersey, making it easy for you to access top-notch training.
Special Considerations for Infants
When performing CPR on infants under one year old, there are a few key differences:
- Check the Brachial Pulse: Feel for a pulse in the upper arm instead of the neck.
- Use Two Fingers: Perform chest compressions with two fingers, overlapping slightly for proper depth.
- Adjust Breaths Carefully: Infants have smaller lung volumes, so be gentle with rescue breaths.
Our courses provide detailed instruction on these techniques, giving you the confidence to act appropriately in any pediatric emergency.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Take the First Step Today!
Sign up for a CPR class with One Love CPR and gain the skills you need to save lives. Visit to explore our course options and schedule your training.
Have Questions? Call us—our friendly team is here to help you get started.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Equip yourself with life-saving skills and be prepared to make a real impact in your community.
Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. Learn how to act fast and save lives with certified training from One Love CPR. Visit www.onelovecpr.com today to sign up for a class or learn more about our offerings.
