At what age is a person considered a child for CPR purposes?

A person is considered a child for CPR purposes from 1 year old until puberty. This definition aligns with established guidelines in CPR training, where the pediatric age groups are distinguished to ensure that the appropriate techniques and considerations are applied during resuscitation efforts.

The rationale behind this age range is that once a child reaches puberty, typically around ages 11-14, their anatomical and physiological traits more closely resemble those of adults, including lung capacity and heart size. This is crucial when determining the effectiveness of techniques used in CPR, such as compressions and rescue breaths, and ensuring that the right amount of force and volume are applied based on their developmental stage.

Understanding this age classification helps responders provide age-appropriate care and increases the likelihood of successful resuscitation outcomes, making it vital for anyone trained in CPR to know these specific age ranges.