CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION:

Cessation of cardiac activity is determined by  inability to palpate a central pulse,  unresponsiveness and Gnea. CPR consists of  measures for establishing and maintaining airway,  initiate breathing and  providing adequate circulation for issue perfusion. Prompt resuscitative measures can  save  a life particularly when child is suffering from a salvageable condition. Failure of  circulation for more  than  3-4 minutes can lead  to  irreversible  cerebral damage, therefore CPR must begin quickly. It  is worthwhile to familiarize  yourself with correct steps  in cardio-respiratory resuscitation. 

Common causes  of  CR  arrest include: (i) airway obstruction, (ii) lower Respiratory Tract  Infections, (iii) drowning, (iv) anaphylaxis, (v) serious nfections, and  (vi) cardiac conditions. 

A quick assessment  of  an unresponsive child would include asking a  few questions to establish the etiology  and  evaluating the stability of the vital signs. Evaluate  the  level of  consciousness, state  of  airway, breathing, ventilation and circulation.  

Initiation of CPR:

A child who  is unresponsive should be immediately placed in supine position. Put the ear  in front of  the mouth  and nose of  the child so that  you  can  feel the exhaled  air, and  the respiratory movement  can  be  observed simultaneously. Cardiac status can be assessed  by palpating the  central  pulses  like carotid  or brachial pulses.