CPR on children ages 1 to 8
CPR on children ages 1 to 8


CPR - child

Definition:
CPR is a combination of rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the victim's lungs, and chest compressions, which keep oxygenated blood circulating.

Alternative Names:
Rescue breathing and chest compressions - child; Resuscitation - cardiopulmonary - child; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation - child

Considerations:

CPR can be lifesaving, but it is best performed by those who have been trained in an accredited CPR course. The procedures described here are not a substitute for CPR training.

A rapid response is very important when dealing with an unconscious person who is not breathing. Permanent brain damage begins after only 4 minutes without oxygen, and death can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes later.



Causes:

Cardio-pulmonary arrest is a combination of two life-threatening conditions: absence of breathing and lack of an effective heartbeat.

Major causes of cardiopulmonary arrest in children include: drowning, choking, head trauma or serious injury, excessive bleeding, electrical shock, poisoning, and respiratory or lung disease.




Review Date: 2/11/2002
Reviewed By: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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