During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended depth and hand placement?

During pediatric CPR, what is the recommended depth and hand placement?

• A. Depth about 2 inches (5 cm); 2 hands on lower half of the breastbone (could use 1 hand for small child)
• B. Depth about 1 inch; 2 fingers on chest
• C. Depth about 3 inches (7.5 cm); 2 hands on sternum near top
• D. Depth about 2 inches; 2 hands on upper chest

Answer: (A)

In pediatric CPR, the goal is to generate enough blood flow with chest compressions while protecting the chest structures. The recommended depth is about one-third of the chest’s depth, which for most children works out to roughly 2 inches (5 cm). Placing the hands on the lower half of the sternum directs the force toward the heart and great vessels, helping create effective circulation without pressing on the upper chest or the xiphoid area, which can cause injury. If the child is smaller, one hand may be used to maintain proper depth and control. This approach contrasts with shallower compressions or placing the hands on the upper chest, which are less effective and can increase injury risk. It also differs from compressions that are too deep or are performed with a reach toward the top of the chest, which is not recommended.

In pediatric CPR, the goal is to generate enough blood flow with chest compressions while protecting the chest structures. The recommended depth is about one-third of the chest’s depth, which for most children works out to roughly 2 inches (5 cm). Placing the hands on the lower half of the sternum directs the force toward the heart and great vessels, helping create effective circulation without pressing on the upper chest or the xiphoid area, which can cause injury. If the child is smaller, one hand may be used to maintain proper depth and control.

This approach contrasts with shallower compressions or placing the hands on the upper chest, which are less effective and can increase injury risk. It also differs from compressions that are too deep or are performed with a reach toward the top of the chest, which is not recommended.