At what age is the child CPR technique recommended to switch from child to adult standards?

The transition from child CPR techniques to adult standards typically occurs around age 12. This is based on developmental differences in size, body composition, and physiological responses to cardiac arrest between children and adults. As children grow, particularly during puberty, they start to exhibit adult-like characteristics in terms of their body size and anatomy.

At age 12, it is generally recognized that the child can benefit from the same CPR techniques that are applied to adults because they can often handle the force and mechanics involved in adult CPR more effectively. This includes sending deeper compressions and using an adult-sized mask for rescue breaths.

Understanding when to make this transition is crucial for providing effective life-saving measures, and adhering to age guidelines ensures that the rescuer utilizes the most appropriate technique based on the victim’s age and size.