Child and Baby CPR

Dental practices may receive babies, children, siblings, parents, carers and staff. Children are more likely than adults to arrest from breathing problems, so rescue breaths are especially important.

Paediatric BLS differences to remember

• Open the airway carefully and check breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
• Give five initial rescue breaths if trained and able.
• Compress to one-third of chest depth.
• Use one or two hands for a child, depending on size and quality.
• Use infant technique for babies, as taught in your training.
• Attach the AED as soon as possible and follow the prompts.

Videos often teach public first-aid sequences, while dental team training may include healthcare-provider modifications. Do not let differences create uncertainty in an emergency: follow your most recent training, use 999 support, and maintain high-quality compressions and effective breaths.

Practice readiness for children and babies

Paediatric CPR is not rare enough to ignore. Dental nurses should be confident about the first minute: call help, give breaths if trained, compress well, and get the AED.