Unresponsive child or young person, child CPR and adult CPR awareness

If a child, young person, staff member or visitor is unresponsive and not breathing normally, treat it as cardiac arrest until proven otherwise. Do not delay while seeking absolute certainty. Current resuscitation guidance focuses on early recognition, early 999 calling, early CPR and prompt AED use.

What CPR awareness should tell every worker

• Shout for help early: one person should call 999 and another should stay with the casualty.
• Open the airway and check normal breathing: gasping or agonal breathing is not normal breathing.
• Start CPR without delay if needed: follow your training and the call handler's instructions.
• Ask for the AED immediately: do not leave it until later in the response.
• Swap compressors if possible: fatigue quickly reduces compression quality.

Homes caring mainly for children need paediatric CPR awareness. Adult CPR remains relevant because adults may collapse on site and some older young people may be treated using adult techniques depending on their size and practical training. This online course supports awareness; hands-on training should guide real-life technique.

Manager focus: practical training and drills

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, delay is usually more dangerous than starting the response.