Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free BLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

For the purpose of CPR/AED care, a child is defined as an individual from 1 year old to the onset of puberty. This classification is important because it reflects the different physiological and developmental characteristics that children exhibit compared to infants and adults.

Understanding this age range allows first responders to apply the most appropriate techniques and devices. For instance, the resuscitation methods for a child differ from those used for an infant or an adult due to variations in body size, airway anatomy, and the physiological responses to cardiac arrest. When performing CPR on children, there are specific adjustments to compression depth, rate, and rescue breaths that adhere to their developmental stage.

This definition also provides context for the application of AEDs. Different protocols are established depending on whether the victim is an infant, a child, or an adult, ensuring that rescuers can effectively respond in an emergency situation by following the appropriate national guidelines.