Child vs. Adult CPR – What’s the Difference?

When someone collapses in front of you—whether it’s a child or an adult—knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. While the basic steps of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) are similar across age groups, there are key differences between how it’s performed on children versus adults.

The Basics Are the Same: C-A-B

Whether it’s a child or an adult, CPR always follows the C-A-B sequence:

• Compressions

• Airway

• Breathing

But how you perform these steps—especially compressions and breaths—differs depending on the age and size of the person.

Compression Depth and Force

• Adults: Use both hands to push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Compress to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm).

  
  
  
  

• Children (ages 1 to puberty): Use one hand (or two, if needed for a larger child) in the center of the chest. The compression depth should be about 2 inches (5 cm)—similar to adults, but with less force due to their smaller body size.

Why it matters: Adult chest walls are more developed and require more force. Children are more delicate, so compressions need to be firm but gentler.

Compression Rate

For both children and adults, the compression rate is the same:

• 100 to 120 compressions per minute

  
  
  
  

Airway and Rescue Breaths

• Adults: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and pinch the nose shut before delivering each breath.

  
  
  
  

• Children: Same technique, but be mindful of the child’s smaller airway. Use gentler breaths—just enough to make the chest rise. Too much air or force can cause injury.

  
  
  
  

Hand Placement

• Adults: Place the heel of one hand (or both hands stacked) in the center of the chest on the lower half of the sternum.

  
  
  
  

• Children: Same hand placement, but you can use one hand depending on the child’s size and your own strength.

AED Use

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) can be used for both adults and children:

• For children under 8 years old or under 55 pounds, use pediatric pads if available.

  
  
  
  

• If no pediatric pads are available, it’s okay to use adult pads in an emergency—just make sure the pads don’t touch each other.

  
  
  
  

Conclusion 

While child and adult CPR follow the same general principles, understanding the differences in technique can help you respond more effectively during a crisis. Children are not just small adults—they require a more tailored and cautious approach.