by Mallory Cameron, RN, BSN
Q: I’ve heard that CPR for children is different than for adults. Do training classes usually cover both types?
A: We never know when we will be called upon to perform CPR. On a day-to-day basis, we encounter a variety of situations: children’s school functions, birthday parties, the mall, grocery shopping, restaurants and football and basketball games. During any one of these, the unimaginable could happen.
Lifesaving CPR provides oxygen and blood flow to the brain and lungs until medical help arrives. Without oxygen, irreversible brain damage can occur in less than four minutes and death within four to six minutes of that. Prevention is best, but when that dreadful accident occurs, providing prompt and effective CPR to the victim greatly improves the chances of survival.
Preventable accidents are the number one reason children come to be in need of resuscitation, and while the majority of parents, grandparents and caregivers do their best to protect the children in their care, no one is perfect, so all should be trained in CPR.
Not only does CPR for children differ from that for adults, it also differs from infant CPR. Babies less than 1 year old are considered infants, children include those from 1 year of age to puberty, and individuals who have reached puberty are considered adults.
There are many important differences between child, infant and adult CPR, including how to clear an obstructed airway, hand placement, chest compression ratios, the amount of air needed for delivered breaths to be most effective, the correct use of AEDs (Automated External Defibulators), activating emergency response and rescue breathing. Because these differences are so significant, it is imperative to be trained in each area appropriate to the population served.
Some training classes cover adult, child and infant CPR, while others specifically target adult or child and infant. In-class CPR courses are typically lead by an instructor who presents lecture and video material. CPR and AED training practice sessions with mannequins are incorporated for students to gain confidence in the necessary skills. Courses conclude with a written exam and a hands-on check off. It is imperative that students pass these assessments to ensure the efficacy of the training. Once all requirements are met, students receive a card showing certification to provide CPR in the community.
Online CPR classes are offered, but these omit invaluable hands-on training and fail to provide the instructor/student interaction and feedback, which make in-class CPR courses so effective.
Columbus Technical College is an authorized American Heart Association training center, offering several CPR training courses to the public. The Heart Saver CPR/First Aid course includes adult, child and infant CPR and first aid along with AED instruction. The Hear Saver Pediatric CPR/First Aid course is also offered, covering child and infant CPR, in addition to the Baby Sitters course, for those over 11 years of age.
We never want to be faced with performing CPR on our parent, grandparent or child, our child’s friend, our coworker, neighbor or complete stranger, but when an emergency strikes, it is far better to be prepared to take action than to stand around, completely helpless.
Mallory Cameron is an instructor and advisor in the School of Health Sciences at Columbus Technical College. Information on CPR courses offered at CTC can be obtained by calling 706.649.1590 or viewing the online schedule at columbustech.edu/economonicdevelopment.
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