How to do child CPR
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In Making Synapses you practice it on the patient.
Children often arrest from breathing problems, so breaths matter.
Step by step
Check
Response, breathing and carotid or femoral pulse for no more than 10 seconds. [1]
Call
Shout for help; if alone and not witnessed, 2 minutes of CPR first. [1]
Compressions
One or two hands on the lower half of the breastbone, about 2 inches (5 cm), 100 to 120 per minute. [1]
Breaths
Head tilt, chin lift, breaths until the chest rises. [1]
Ratio
30:2 for one rescuer, 15:2 for two. [1]
AED
As soon as available, pediatric pads if possible. [1]
Common errors
- Skipping breaths.
- Shallow compressions.
- Late AED.
Practice it in Making Synapses
In Making Synapses you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Making Synapses cases that train this skill
- Anaphylaxis in a child
- Sickle cell pain crisis
- Child with diarrhea and dehydration
- Suspected child abuse
- Cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation
- Post-cardiac arrest care
61 Making Synapses cases train this skill: open the case library
Sources
- AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
- NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines
- NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic)
Facts and steps follow AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC; NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.