AED for adult and child

What Are The Differences Between Adult And Child CPR?

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There are many key differences between adult and child CPR, and it is important to know what these differences are because they will determine your adaptability as far as using the right techniques is concerned. These differences are also important because if not well used, the process of CPR could be detailed for the patient, thus worsening the condition. Proper CPR is an effective life saving technique and which all first aiders must have at hand.

The material posted on this page on CPR rescue techniques for adult and child victims is for learning purposes only. To learn to differentiate between the two victims and how to effectively provide CPR enrol in a course today.

Some of the differences between adult and child CPR.

  • Adult CPR will usually be necessitated by the occurrence of a heart attack. This form of cardiac arrest causes irregular heart rhythm, making it impossible for the heart to pump blood to vital organs. If not addressed within the first few minutes, there is the likelihood of severe neurological and brain damage if the patient survives. A child on the other hand will often require CPR as a result of issues arising from respiratory issues.
  • Such a condition almost always leads up to a cardiac arrest in children. These differences also point out the potential causes of cardiac arrest. With cardiac arrest in children, this could result from choking accidents with the particular item stuck in the airways thus giving rise to respiratory problems.
  • Knowing the differences between adult and child CPR also means understanding procedural techniques. In adults, the provision of CPR is best carried out with the help of an AED (automated external defibrillator).
    AED for adult and child
    AED’s are a vital component of both adult and child CPR

    This is a tiny gadget that works to restore the normal rhythm of the heart by sending out electrical shock waves to the heart. In an out-of-hospital-setup, AED use must be incorporated by a trained first aider to ensure that precious seconds do not tick away. In child CPR on the other hand, more often than not the provision of oxygen will go a long way in helping the victim.

  • While there is no way of telling when a cardiac arrest is likely to occur, there are a number of factors that predispose adults to getting heart attacks. This is yet another of the differences between adult and child CPR. Poor sedentary lifestyles are a leading cause globally. With that in mind, can we really say the same of children? As mentioned above, child CPR is often necessitated by lack of oxygen often arising from airway blockage.
  • Some of the common culprits include small parts of toys, dirt as well as big chunks of foods. This is the reason why it is imperative to eliminate the likelihood of choking by carefully monitoring the child especially as they play. If possible, get a babysitter who is well trained.

While this is not a difference between adult and child CPR, it provides important information on how to deal with child CPR. If you can, get rid of the item blocking the child’s airways. It is VERY important not to perform a finger sweep if you cannot see the object as this could actually push it further down thus complicating the situation.

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