Child Cardiac Arrest: CPR and AED Use (Ages 1–12)

If you find a child aged between 1 and 12 years who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you must act quickly. Early CPR and rapid defibrillation give the child the best possible chance of survival.

Because this age group covers a wide range of sizes and weights, CPR techniques are adapted to suit the child in front of you.

Calling for Help

If the child is unresponsive:

• Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
• If you are unsure whether the child is breathing normally, treat them as though they are not.
• Put your phone on speakerphone so the call handler can guide you.

Start CPR Immediately

In children, cardiac arrest is often caused by breathing problems. For this reason:

• Start with five rescue breaths.
• Then begin chest compressions.

Chest Compressions

• Compress the chest to around one-third of its depth.
• Allow full chest recoil after each compression.
• Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.

Continue CPR using a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths.

Do not pause CPR while someone is fetching an AED.

Using an AED on a Child

Use the AED as soon as it arrives.

• Switch the AED on and follow the voice and visual prompts.
• If available, use a paediatric mode or paediatric pads, which reduce shock energy.
• If paediatric settings are not available, use adult pads and settings. Never delay defibrillation.

Pad Placement

Ensure the child’s chest is bare and dry.

Children under approximately 25 kg (usually under 8 years)

• Place one pad on the front of the chest, slightly to the left side.
• Place the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades.

This front-and-back placement ensures the electrical shock passes through the heart.

Children over approximately 25 kg

• Place one pad on the centre of the chest.
• Place the other pad on the back, between the shoulder blades.

During AED Analysis and Shock

• When the AED says “Stand clear”, ensure no one is touching the child.
• If a shock is advised, make sure everyone stays clear while it is delivered.
• Restart chest compressions immediately after the shock, or if no shock is advised.

Continue CPR Until

• Professional help arrives and takes over, or
• The child shows clear signs of life, or
• You are physically unable to continue.

Key Safety Message

AEDs are extremely safe to use on children. They will only deliver a shock if it is needed. Early CPR and early defibrillation dramatically improve survival.

The most important thing is to act quickly, confidently, and without delay. Your actions could save a child’s life.