What is the difference between CPR for a child and an adult?

For an adult, you start with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. For a child or infant, because the cause is often respiratory, you must start with 5 initial rescue breaths before beginning the 30:2 (or 15:2 for healthcare pros) cycle. Additionally, you use two hands for an adult, one or two for a child, and just two fingers for an infant.

Can I be sued if I break someone's ribs while performing CPR?

In the UK, it is very rare for a layperson to be sued for attempting to save a life in an emergency. Breaking ribs is a common side effect of effective, deep chest compressions. Under the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism (SARAH) Act 2015, the courts take into account that you were acting for the benefit of society and in an emergency.

When should I stop performing CPR?

You should only stop CPR if: a healthcare professional (like a paramedic) tells you to stop, the casualty shows signs of recovery (such as coughing, opening eyes, or breathing normally), you become physically exhausted and cannot continue, or the scene becomes too dangerous for you to stay.

What do I do if the casualty is pregnant and needs CPR?

Perform CPR as you would for any adult, but if possible, have someone gently tilt the pregnant woman's abdomen to her left side (left lateral displacement). This prevents the weight of the uterus from pressing on the major blood vessels, which helps blood flow back to the heart during compressions.

How do I use an AED if the casualty has a hairy chest or a pacemaker?

If the chest is very hairy, use the razor often provided in the AED kit to shave the areas where pads will be placed, as hair prevents a good connection. If you feel a hard lump under the skin (a pacemaker), place the AED pad at least 8cm (3 inches) away from it to avoid interference with the device.

How to Revise QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life support (Adults and Children) (RQF) — Qualifications Network Other Vocational Qualification Health & Social Care

1.Be able to support a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally2. Be able to support a casualty who is unresponsive and breathing normally3. Be able to support a casualty who is choking

Examiner Tips for QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life support (Adults and Children) (RQF)

In any practical scenario, verbalise each step as you perform it, including safety checks, calling for help, and reasoning for your actions—this demonstrates underpinning knowledge to assessors.
For the unresponsive adult not breathing, ensure you state the compression-to-ventilation ratio (30:2) and emphasise the importance of high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions.
When managing choking, clearly differentiate between partial and complete airway obstruction; for complete obstruction, act immediately with back blows and, if unsuccessful, abdominal thrusts (or chest thrusts for children under 1 year).
During assessments, always demonstrate correct infection control procedures (e.g., using a face shield or pocket mask for rescue breaths) if specified, and know the modification for paediatric resuscitation including compression depth and hand placement.

Common Mistakes in QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life support (Adults and Children) (RQF)

Failing to tilt the head and lift the chin sufficiently to open the airway, resulting in ineffective rescue breaths.
Not checking for normal breathing for a full 10 seconds, leading to mistaken interpretation of agonal gasps as normal breathing.
Incorrect hand placement during chest compressions (e.g., pressing on the xiphoid process or ribs) which can cause injury and reduce effectiveness.
Performing abdominal thrusts on a child under 1 year or a small child instead of using back blows and chest thrusts as appropriate for the age.
Forgetting to check for hypoxia or airway obstruction when a casualty is in the recovery position, and not regularly reassessing breathing.

Key Marking Points

Award credit for demonstrating a systematic approach: checking for danger, assessing responsiveness, and shouting for help before approaching the casualty.
When managing an unresponsive casualty not breathing normally, award credit for correct CPR technique: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, with compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm for adults and approximately 1/3 chest depth for children.

QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life support (Adults and Children) (RQF)

QUALIFICATIONS-NETWORK

vocational

This subtopic covers essential basic life support skills for adults and children, including managing unresponsive casualties, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), placing a casualty in the recovery position, and responding to choking. Learners must demonstrate competence in assessing emergencies, delivering safe and effective first aid, and adapting techniques for different age groups to meet assessment criteria for the QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Basic life support for adults and children

Topic Overview

The QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support (Adults and Children) (RQF) is a critical qualification designed to provide learners with the essential skills to manage life-threatening emergencies. This course focuses on the primary survey, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). It is aligned with the latest Resuscitation Council UK guidelines, ensuring that students are equipped with evidence-based techniques to preserve life until professional medical help arrives.

In the context of Health and Social Care, this qualification is more than just a certificate; it is a mandatory requirement for many roles. It ensures that practitioners can respond competently to cardiac arrest or choking incidents within care homes, hospitals, or community settings. By mastering these skills, students contribute to the 'Chain of Survival,' which significantly increases the chances of recovery for victims of sudden cardiac arrest across all age groups.

The curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge of the respiratory and circulatory systems and practical, hands-on intervention. Students will learn the distinct physiological differences between adults, children, and infants, and how these differences dictate specific resuscitation techniques. Understanding these nuances is vital for anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare sector, where the ability to act calmly and correctly under pressure is a core competency.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→The Primary Survey (DRABC): A systematic approach to assessing an incident involving Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation to identify life-threatening conditions.
→CPR Ratios and Techniques: Mastery of the 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio for adults, and the modified 15:2 ratio or 5 initial rescue breaths for children and infants.
→AED Operation: Understanding how to safely deploy an Automated External Defibrillator, including pad placement and following voice prompts to deliver a shock if required.
→Choking Protocols: Executing the correct sequence of back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for adults and children, and chest thrusts for infants.
→The Recovery Position: Knowing when and how to place an unconscious but breathing casualty into a stable side-lying position to maintain a clear airway.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating a systematic approach: checking for danger, assessing responsiveness, and shouting for help before approaching the casualty.
When managing an unresponsive casualty not breathing normally, award credit for correct CPR technique: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, with compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm for adults and approximately 1/3 chest depth for children.
For an unresponsive but breathing casualty, award credit for placing them in a stable lateral recovery position that ensures an open airway and allows continuous monitoring of breathing.
When dealing with a choking adult or child (over 1 year), award credit for administering up to 5 back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking for dislodged object between cycles.
Award credit for correctly identifying when to call emergency services (999/112) and for providing clear, relevant information when doing so.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating a systematic approach: checking for danger, assessing responsiveness, and shouting for help before approaching the casualty.
When managing an unresponsive casualty not breathing normally, award credit for correct CPR technique: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, with compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm for adults and approximately 1/3 chest depth for children.
For an unresponsive but breathing casualty, award credit for placing them in a stable lateral recovery position that ensures an open airway and allows continuous monitoring of breathing.
When dealing with a choking adult or child (over 1 year), award credit for administering up to 5 back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking for dislodged object between cycles.
Award credit for correctly identifying when to call emergency services (999/112) and for providing clear, relevant information when doing so.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡In any practical scenario, verbalise each step as you perform it, including safety checks, calling for help, and reasoning for your actions—this demonstrates underpinning knowledge to assessors.
💡For the unresponsive adult not breathing, ensure you state the compression-to-ventilation ratio (30:2) and emphasise the importance of high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions.
💡When managing choking, clearly differentiate between partial and complete airway obstruction; for complete obstruction, act immediately with back blows and, if unsuccessful, abdominal thrusts (or chest thrusts for children under 1 year).
💡During assessments, always demonstrate correct infection control procedures (e.g., using a face shield or pocket mask for rescue breaths) if specified, and know the modification for paediatric resuscitation including compression depth and hand placement.
💡Always prioritize your own safety first; examiners look for a clear 'Danger' check before you approach the casualty to ensure you don't become a second victim.
💡Focus on the depth and rate of compressions: for an adult, aim for 5-6cm depth at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. Using a 'metronome' rhythm in your head, like 'Stayin' Alive', can help maintain consistency.
💡In scenario-based questions, remember to specify that you would call 999/112 immediately after confirming the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Failing to tilt the head and lift the chin sufficiently to open the airway, resulting in ineffective rescue breaths.
Not checking for normal breathing for a full 10 seconds, leading to mistaken interpretation of agonal gasps as normal breathing.
Incorrect hand placement during chest compressions (e.g., pressing on the xiphoid process or ribs) which can cause injury and reduce effectiveness.
Performing abdominal thrusts on a child under 1 year or a small child instead of using back blows and chest thrusts as appropriate for the age.
Forgetting to check for hypoxia or airway obstruction when a casualty is in the recovery position, and not regularly reassessing breathing.
Thinking CPR for children is the same as adults: In reality, children usually suffer from respiratory arrest rather than primary cardiac arrest, necessitating 5 initial rescue breaths and a 15:2 ratio in professional contexts, whereas adults start with compressions at 30:2.
Fear of using an AED: Many students worry they might shock someone accidentally. However, modern AEDs are fully automated and will only deliver a shock if they detect a shockable heart rhythm (Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia).
Checking for a pulse: Current BLS guidelines for non-professionals emphasize checking for 'normal breathing' rather than wasting time searching for a pulse, which can be difficult to find in an emergency and delays life-saving compressions.

Revision Plan

How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

1Week 1, Days 1-3: Memorize the DRABC sequence and the Resuscitation Council UK 2021 algorithms for both adults and paediatrics.
2Week 1, Days 4-7: Study the specific differences in choking treatment for infants (under 1 year) versus children and adults, focusing on hand placement.
3Week 2, Days 1-3: Review AED safety procedures, including pad placement on adults versus children and what to do if the casualty is wet or has a pacemaker.
4Week 2, Days 4-7: Take multiple-choice practice tests focusing on the legal aspects of first aid and the 'Chain of Survival' steps.

Exam Question Types

How this topic typically appears in the exam

📋Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): These often test specific numbers, such as the depth of compressions or the number of back blows given to a choking victim. Read the age of the casualty in the stem carefully.
📋Scenario-Based Sequencing: You may be asked to order the steps of the Primary Survey or the steps for using an AED. Practice the logical flow of 'Check, Call, Compress'.
📋Practical Assessment: While not a written question, you must demonstrate CPR on a manikin. Examiners check for full chest recoil and minimal interruptions to compressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A basic understanding of the human circulatory and respiratory systems.
•Awareness of Health and Safety at Work principles regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields.
•The physical ability to perform chest compressions on a manikin at floor level.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1.Be able to support a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally2. Be able to support a casualty who is unresponsive and breathing normally3. Be able to support a casualty who is choking

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QNUK Level 2 Award in Basic Life support (Adults and Children) (RQF)

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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