What is the depth of child chest compressions?

What is the depth of child chest compressions?

• A. At least 2 inches
• B. 1 inch
• C. 3 inches
• D. 1.5 inches

Answer: (A)

Focusing on how deep to press during pediatric CPR is about ensuring the heart is actually squeezed enough to push blood through the circulation. For a child, the guideline is to compress the chest to a depth of about two inches. This depth is deep enough to generate meaningful blood flow to vital organs like the brain, while still allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions. If the depth is shallower, blood flow drops and perfusion suffers; sticking to this depth helps balance effectiveness with safety. As with all CPR steps, maintain full chest recoil between compressions and keep interruptions to a minimum.

Focusing on how deep to press during pediatric CPR is about ensuring the heart is actually squeezed enough to push blood through the circulation. For a child, the guideline is to compress the chest to a depth of about two inches. This depth is deep enough to generate meaningful blood flow to vital organs like the brain, while still allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions. If the depth is shallower, blood flow drops and perfusion suffers; sticking to this depth helps balance effectiveness with safety. As with all CPR steps, maintain full chest recoil between compressions and keep interruptions to a minimum.