CPR in children not likely to cause serious injury
31 January 2003
Parents can be reassured that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in children with cardiopulmonary arrest can be started without fear of causing significant injury, after an Australian study found that children typically sustained only minor injuries such as superficial bruises and abrasion.
(Cardiopulmonary arrest is when a person's heart stops beating and they are not breathing. CPR is a widely promoted first-aid procedure that is potentially life-saving in this situation.)
Victorian researchers looked at the injuries sustained by 153 children who died despite CPR.
All but 2 injuries were minor, with injuries more likely the longer CPR was continued (Emergency Medicine Journal 2003; 20: 10-12).
Last Reviewed: 30 January 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 31/01/03
