Child Ventilation

If masks are available, they should be used in children as in adults; however, you must ensure the mask is the correct size for the child. The mask should cover the child’s mouth and nose without covering the eyes or chin. You will not be able to get a good seal with a mask that is too big. As with an adult, use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open the child’s airway. Each breath should last one second and should cause the child’s chest to rise. As with an adult, avoid giving breaths too quickly, as this may result in distention of the stomach, vomiting, and possible aspiration of stomach contents.

Child Ventilation Algorithm

Child ventilation algorithm
Figure 10