Do you use 2 hands for CPR on a child?

A cardiac arrest victim doesn't receive oxygen to the brain and other vital organs during the arrest. This is often fatal if appropriate steps are not taken immediately. During these life-threatening emergencies, CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation can make a difference between life and death by squeezing the heart and pushing oxygenated rich blood throughout the victim's body. 

High-quality compressions are the most critical part of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. And it begins with positioning your hands correctly. It's vital to always practice the correct hand placement when doing CPR.

High-quality CPR is vital for survival after cardiac arrest, and quality chest compressions are critical to the performance of CPR. The 2015 guidelines and recommendations of the American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care on hand placement for chest compressions seem understandable by both laypersons and healthcare professionals.

Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

Take a Class CPR Performing CPR Child & Baby CPR

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• EmailClient

• Learn About Our Programs

Explore other programs:

Learn About Our Programs

• First Aid
  • First Aid Certification
  • Performing First Aid
  • First Aid Training
  • First Aid Classes
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • CPR Certification
  • CPR Classes
  • CPR for Healthcare Providers
  • Performing CPR
    • Hands-Only CPR
    • CPR Steps
    • CPR for a Pet
    • CPR for a Baby or Child
  • CPR Programs for Schools
  • CPR Training
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • AED Certification
  • Using an AED
  • AED Training
  • AED Classes
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • BLS Training
  • Performing BLS
  • BLS Classes
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers
  • BLS Certification Renewal
  • BLS Certification
• ALS & PALS
  • ALS & PALS Training
  • ALS Blended Learning
  • PALS Blended Learning
  • ALS & PALS Instructor Bridge
• Babysitting & Childcare
  • Babysitting & Childcare Preparation
  • Babysitting Basics
  • Childcare Licensing
  • Babysitting & Childcare Training
  • Babysitting & Childcare Classes
  • Babysitting & Childcare Certification
• Swimming + Water Safety
  • Adult Swimming Lessons
  • Kid Swim Lessons
  • Teach Water Safety Outreach
  • Safety Training for Swim Coaches
  • Learn to Swim Providers
  • Swim Lessons
• Lifeguarding
  • Aquatic Examiner Service
  • Aquatic Representative
  • Water Safety
  • Lifeguard Training
  • Lifeguard Preparation
• Nurse Assistant Training
  • Nurse Assistant Training Program
  • About NAT/CNA Classes
• Nurse Assistant Testing
  • Practice Tests
  • California
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Vermont
• Online Courses
  • All Online Safety Training Courses
• Instructors
• Become a Red Cross Instructor
• Get Training Supplies
• Red Cross Instructor Bridging
• Participants
• Find my Certificate
• Courses Eligible for CEUs

• Child & Baby CPR

  ---

  Although you hope you'll never use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for a child or infant, it's important to know the steps so that you can help in the event of a cardiac or breathing emergency. And although you may have taken a class in child CPR, it's a good idea to keep the steps handy so that the information stays fresh in your memory. With our printable step-by-step guide, you can access the child and baby CPR steps anytime, anywhere. Simply print them up and place them in your car, your desk, your kitchen or with your other first aid supplies, then read over them from time to time to help maintain your skills.

  Find a Class

  Use my location

  Find Classes

  Before Giving Child or Baby CPR

  1

  Check the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent from the parent or guardian, and use personal protective equipment (PPE)

  ---

  2

  If the child or baby appears unresponsive, check the child or baby for responsiveness (shout-tap-shout)

  • For a child, shout to get the child’s attention, using the child’s name if you know it. If the child does not respond, tap the child’s shoulder and shout again while checking for breathing, life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition
  • For a baby, shout to get the baby’s attention, using the baby’s name if you know it. If the baby does not respond, tap the bottom of the baby’s foot and shout again while checking for breathing, life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition
  • Check for no more than 10 seconds

  ---

  3

  If the child or baby does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so

  Can you use one hand for CPR on a child?

  To carry out chest compressions on a child: Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of breastbone, in the centre of the child's chest (the size of the child will determine if you do CPR with 1 hand or 2 hands).

  What age do you use two hands for CPR?

  Aims: Current guidelines for chest compressions in CPR advocate a one handed technique in children (1-8 years old) and a two handed technique in adults (>8 years old).

  What is the correct CPR for a child?

  Children undergoing CPR should receive two breaths after every 30 chest compressions if there is a single rescuer. They should receive the two breaths after every 15 chest compressions if there are two rescuers.

  Do you use two fingers for CPR on an infant?

  Introduction: Current guidelines recommend that single person cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant should be performed with two-fingers just below the inter-mammillary line with the hand clenched, while two-person CPR should be performed with two-thumbs with the hands encircling the chest.