How deep should chest compressions be on a child?

The appropriate depth for chest compressions in a child is 5 cm, which is approximately one-third of the chest's depth. This depth is recommended to ensure effective blood circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while minimizing the risk of injury to the child's ribs and internal organs. Using the correct compression depth is crucial for generating adequate pressure in the thoracic cavity to promote blood flow to vital organs.

Guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining this depth to achieve optimal outcomes during resuscitation. Compressions that are too shallow may not generate sufficient blood flow, while those that are too deep could potentially cause harm. Therefore, using 5 cm as a target depth aligns with established pediatric resuscitation protocols aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of CPR in children.