First aid
How to provide first aid for sudden collapse in children including airway checks and age-appropriate CPR techniques.
This evergreen guide explains step by step how to respond when a child suddenly collapses, focusing on airway safety, calling for help, and performing CPR tailored to the child’s age.
Published by
Louis Harris
July 24, 2025 - 3 min Read
When a child suddenly collapses, every second counts. Start by establishing scene safety and checking responsiveness. Gently tap the child’s shoulder and shout to seek a response. If there is no response, call for emergency services immediately or direct a bystander to do so. Check for breathing by watching for chest movement and listening near the mouth for breath sounds. If the child is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR without delay. Open the airway using a neutral head position and perform rescue breaths if you are trained, delivering one breath every two seconds for children. If an assistant is present, one rescuer performs compressions while the other manages breaths. Time is critical; rapid action can save life.
As you assess breathing, consider signs beyond mere chest rise. Look for regular, intentional breaths as opposed to irregular gasps. If the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, proceed with chest compressions appropriate to the child’s age. For infants under one year, use two fingers in the center of the chest; for older children, place one or two hands depending on the size of the chest and perform compressions at a depth of about one third of the chest, roughly 2 inches (5 cm) for many school-age kids. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions and minimize interruptions. If you have a bag-valve-mask device and know how to use it, provide one breath after every 30 compressions in a single rescuer scenario and adjust to two breaths per cycle if two rescuers are present.
Age-appropriate technique and airway care are essential in crisis.
Airway management in a collapsed child hinges on maintaining an open passage without forcing the neck. If you suspect a spinal injury, avoid excessive head tilt. Gently tilt the head just enough to align the airway, using the jaw-thrust technique if needed. Clear visible obstructions only with gentle removal, never probing deeply with fingers. If vomiting occurs, roll the child gently onto the side to clear the mouth and prevent aspiration, then resume airway checks. In all age groups, assess breathing and responsiveness first, then push into chest compressions if no effective breathing or signs of circulation are present. Training reinforces these steps so you can improvise safely in real emergencies.
When performing age-appropriate CPR, tailor the technique to the child’s size and development. For toddlers and older children, use two hands or one hand as needed to achieve compressions of about one third the chest depth. Each compression should be smooth and focused, allowing full chest recoil. After every 30 compressions, give two breaths if you are trained and confident in delivering them correctly. In school-age children, reinforce the rhythm with a tempo of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Avoid excessive force, which can cause injury. If you are unable to maintain breaths, continue with compressions alone until professional help arrives or the child shows signs of life.
Practice and preparation boost confidence in emergencies.
Knowledge of when to switch roles during a resuscitation reduces fatigue and maintains quality. If a second helper becomes available, switch ensuring continuous compressions with minimal pauses. Hands positions should remain firm but not overly rigid, and thumbs should stay off the sternum to prevent glare or injury downward. As you give breaths, ensure a proper seal around the child’s nose and mouth if using mouth-to-mouth, or a correct mask seal with head-tilt. Reassure caregivers and bystanders, giving concise instructions to preserve calm in the environment. Clear communication and teamwork improve outcomes, especially in noisy or crowded spaces where confusion can cost precious seconds.
After a collapse, monitoring changes in color, breathing pattern, and responsiveness guides ongoing care. If the child regains consciousness, place them in the recovery position on their side to keep the airway open and monitor for any relapses. Keep the child warm and calm while awaiting emergency responders. If the child begins to breathe again but remains unresponsive, continue to provide rescue breaths as directed by your training until help arrives. Once professionals arrive, provide information about the collapse, any witnessed activities, and the child’s medical history. Practicing these steps regularly helps families feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.
Regular drills and accessible information save precious seconds.
Training is the cornerstone of effective response. Enroll in recognized first aid and CPR courses that cover pediatric scenarios, including airway checks and age-adjusted chest compressions. Hands-on practice with manikins helps you translate theory into action under pressure. Simulations also reveal mistakes you may unconsciously repeat during stress, allowing you to correct them in a controlled setting. Seek refresher sessions on a schedule that aligns with guidelines from reputable organizations. By updating skills, you stay current with recommended depths, rates, and breath techniques, improving your ability to act decisively when a real emergency occurs.
Beyond formal courses, keep essential information accessible. Place a clearly visible card with emergency numbers, your location, and basic pediatric first aid steps near every household and car. Practice with family members, including children, so they understand how to respond and whom to call. Create a simple, age-appropriate plan for different environments, such as home, school, and playgrounds. Regular drills help children learn what to expect if someone collapses, reducing fear and increasing cooperation. Finally, store a compact flashlight and a whistle to attract attention if you are in a low-light area or need to direct bystanders effectively while awaiting help.
Clear handoff and post-event steps support families.
If the collapse occurs in a school setting, cooperate with staff and use school protocols for emergencies. Many schools have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and staff trained to use them. Early defibrillation, when indicated, dramatically improves outcomes, especially in older children with certain heart rhythms. Practice tuning into these devices so you can operate them correctly and confidently under guidance. When an AED is available, turn it on and follow voice prompts. If a shock is advised, ensure everyone stands clear and deliver the shock as instructed before resuming compressions. Defibrillation, while frightening, is a critical component of advanced pediatric resuscitation.
After the initial response, consider transport and handoff to professionals. If emergency responders arrive, provide a concise summary of the incident: what happened, when it started, whether the child was conscious, and what interventions were performed. Share any known medical conditions or medications that could influence the event. The responders will guide further care and possible transport to a hospital for evaluation. For caregivers, receiving clear feedback about the event helps reduce anxiety and prepares families for next steps, including potential follow-up care and monitoring.
In the aftermath, plan a debrief with healthcare providers to review what happened and what was done well. Discuss any barriers faced during the emergency and identify ways to improve readiness at home or in school. Documentation is helpful for future incidents, including the child’s reactions to CPR or airway maneuvers. If the child experiences a return of symptoms or recurrent collapse in the following days, seek urgent medical attention to rule out serious causes. Parents should monitor for signs like fainting, persistent breathing difficulties, or chest pain, and keep a log of episodes to share with pediatricians during follow-up visits.
Maintaining readiness is a lifelong responsibility for families and communities. Encourage regular practice of basic first aid skills, safe sleep, hydration, and recognizing warning signs that precede emergencies. Build a culture of safety by teaching children age-appropriate responses, such as calling for help and staying calm. By prioritizing preparedness, you empower yourself and others to act decisively, potentially saving a young life in moments of crisis. Remember that no one can predict every event, but trained hands, clear communication, and practiced routines can dramatically improve outcomes in pediatric emergencies.
