How deep should chest compressions be for a child in cm?

For children, chest compressions should be delivered at a depth of approximately 5 cm. This depth is considered effective for generating sufficient blood flow to vital organs during cardiac arrest. The guideline to compress to this depth is based on studies showing that adequate depth improves the chances of survival and recovery.

Delivering compressions less than 5 cm may not provide enough pressure to create effective circulation, while going excessively deep could risk injury to the child's rib cage or internal organs. Therefore, aiming for a compression depth of 5 cm balances effectiveness and safety, making it the standard for pediatric resuscitation practices.