When to Call 112 During a Pediatric Emergency
Knowing when to call for emergency help is just as critical as knowing how to perform CPR. The correct sequence depends on whether you are alone or have assistance.
If You Are Alone With the Child
Perform 2 full minutes of CPR before stopping to call 112. Those first two minutes of compressions and rescue breaths are the highest-priority action — early CPR can double or triple a child's chance of survival before emergency services arrive.
If Another Person Is Present
Send them to call 112 immediately while you begin CPR without delay. Clearly assign the task: "Call 112 now and tell them a child is not breathing!"
Child Is Unconscious but Breathing Normally
If the child is unconscious yet breathing regularly, call 112 and monitor the child closely until help arrives. A breathing child does not need CPR. Only begin CPR if the child stops breathing or is only gasping (agonal breathing).
Important: Never shake a child vigorously if a spinal or neck injury is suspected. Instead, use the jaw-thrust manoeuvre to open the airway without tilting the head.
The Child CPR A-B-C Protocol Explained
Remember the three-step A-B-C framework — the cornerstone of every CPR response for children aged 1 to 8 years:
Airway
Tilt the head back gently and lift the chin to open the airway. This straightens the airway passage and removes any soft-tissue obstruction caused by an unconscious child's relaxed muscles.
Breathing
Pinch the child's nose shut, form a complete seal over the mouth, and deliver 2 slow rescue breaths — each lasting about 1 second. Watch the chest rise with every breath to confirm air is entering.
Circulation
If no pulse is present, deliver 30 chest compressions using 1 hand, pressing down approximately 2 inches (5 cm) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Step-by-Step Child CPR Review Checklist
Use this checklist to reinforce your understanding before the quiz. Each step reflects current Indian Red Cross Society CPR guidelines for children (ages 1–8).
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Check for Responsiveness
Tap the child's shoulder firmly and shout, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, begin the CPR sequence. Do not shake the child if a spinal injury is possible.
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Open the Airway (A)
Place one hand on the child's forehead and use two fingers of the other hand to lift the chin upward. This head-tilt/chin-lift technique opens the airway by aligning the throat passages.
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Look, Listen & Feel for Breathing (B)
Take up to 10 seconds to check for normal breathing. Look for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek. Gasping or no breathing means CPR is required.
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Give 2 Rescue Breaths (B)
Pinch the child's nose closed, seal your mouth over the child's mouth, and give 2 gentle breaths — each over 1 second. Watch for visible chest rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the airway and try again.
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Check for a Pulse & Begin Chest Compressions (C)
Feel for a pulse at the carotid artery (neck) for no more than 10 seconds. If absent or very slow (<60 bpm with poor perfusion), place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (lower half of the sternum) and deliver 30 compressions at a depth of about 2 inches.
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Maintain the 30:2 Compression-to-Breath Ratio
Continue cycling — 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Keep compressions fast and deep. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Minimise interruptions.
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Reassess Every 2 Minutes
After approximately 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30:2), pause briefly to check for signs of life — pulse, breathing, or movement. If none, resume CPR immediately. Continue until emergency medical services arrive, an AED becomes available, or the child recovers.
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Call 112 (if not already done)
If you are alone and have completed the initial 2-minute CPR cycle, call 112 at this point. Provide the child's age, your location, and confirm the child is not breathing.
Compression Depth Reminder: For a child, use one hand and aim for approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of compression depth — roughly one-third the depth of the chest. For infants (under 1 year), use two fingers and compress 1.5 inches. Adjust pressure based on the child's size.
Key Takeaways Before You Take the Quiz
Before proceeding to the Child CPR quiz, make sure you can confidently answer these questions:
- When should you call 112 before starting CPR, and when should you start CPR first?
- What does the A-B-C acronym stand for in paediatric CPR?
- How many rescue breaths and compressions form one CPR cycle for a child?
- At what compression depth and rate should you perform chest compressions on a child?
- How often should you reassess the child for signs of recovery during CPR?
If you are confident about all five points above, you are ready to move on to the quiz and complete this module of your CPR certification course.
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
Congratulations on completing the Child CPR Review! Take the quiz now to reinforce what you have learned and earn credit toward your CPR certification from 24x7 Medical Service.
Start the Child CPR QuizWant Hands-On CPR Training in Delhi?
Online review is a great start — but nothing replaces practising on a manikin with certified instructors. Enrol in our Indian Red Cross-certified Child CPR training programme in Delhi and gain the confidence to act in a real emergency.
