How should a child be positioned for chest compressions, and what depth is recommended?

How should a child be positioned for chest compressions, and what depth is recommended?

• A. Place hands on the center of the chest; depth about 2 inches (5 cm) or 1/3 chest depth
• B. Place hands on the left chest; depth about 1 inch
• C. Two hands on the back; depth about 3 inches
• D. Use two fingers on the chest; depth about 4 inches

Answer: (A)

For pediatric chest compressions, place your hands on the center of the chest, over the lower half of the sternum, and compress to about one third of the chest depth—roughly 2 inches (5 cm). This depth provides effective circulation for a child while minimizing the risk of injury, and you can use one hand for smaller children or two hands for larger ones as needed. Other options misplace the hands, target the back, or use an incorrect depth (too shallow or too deep) for pediatric patients.

For pediatric chest compressions, place your hands on the center of the chest, over the lower half of the sternum, and compress to about one third of the chest depth—roughly 2 inches (5 cm). This depth provides effective circulation for a child while minimizing the risk of injury, and you can use one hand for smaller children or two hands for larger ones as needed. Other options misplace the hands, target the back, or use an incorrect depth (too shallow or too deep) for pediatric patients.