Short Answer
High-quality CPR for children involves maintaining a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, minimizing interruptions to less than 10 seconds, and ensuring a compression depth of about 2 inches (one-third the chest depth) to improve survival chances.
Step 1: Compression Rate
The first component of high-quality CPR for children is maintaining an effective compression rate. The recommended rate is 100-120 compressions per minute. Keep in mind that this is slower than what some sources might suggest, emphasizing the need for accuracy in this crucial step.
Step 2: Minimize Interruptions
The second essential aspect is to minimize interruptions in chest compressions. Ideally, interruptions should be less than 10 seconds. Continuously providing compressions without lengthy pauses helps maintain blood circulation and increases the chance of survival for the child.
Step 3: Compression Depth
The final component is to ensure the proper compression depth during CPR. For children, the recommended depth is about 2 inches or one-third the depth of the chest. Achieving the correct depth is vital for effective blood flow and improving the likelihood of a successful resuscitation.