How to Perform CPR on an Adolescent (13–18 Years)

In this training film, we will cover how to perform CPR on an adolescent aged between 13 and 18 years. Although cardiac arrest in young people is less common than in adults, it can still occur due to breathing problems, traumatic injury, or sudden collapse. Delivering high-quality CPR is essential and can significantly improve their chance of survival.

Initial Safety Checks

• Ensure the area is safe for both you and the adolescent before approaching.
• Gently shake their shoulder or tap it and call loudly: “Are you OK?”

Calling for Help

If they do not respond:

• Shout for help immediately.
• If you are alone, call 999 straight away, place the phone on speaker, and begin CPR without delay. The emergency call handler will guide you through the process.
• If someone else is available, ask them to call 999, put the phone on speaker if possible, and fetch an AED while you start CPR.

Assessing Breathing

• Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre.
• Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
• If the adolescent is not breathing or their breathing is abnormal (gasping or irregular), start CPR immediately.

Rescue Breaths Matter

In adolescents, cardiac arrest often relates to breathing difficulties or trauma, which means rescue breaths are especially important.

Give 5 Initial Rescue Breaths

• Seal your mouth over theirs.
• Pinch the nose closed.
• Blow gently for one second per breath and watch for the chest rising.

Chest Compressions

• Deliver 15 chest compressions immediately after the initial breaths.
• Place your hands in the centre of the chest, on the upper half of the sternum between the nipples.
• Push down to a depth of 5-6cm.
• Compress at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
• Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.
• Aim to minimise any interruptions.

Continue the CPR Cycle

After the initial breaths and compressions, continue CPR following this pattern:

• 15 compressions
• 2 rescue breaths

Repeat this cycle until help arrives or the adolescent begins to show signs of recovery.

Using an AED on an Adolescent

• If an AED is available, switch it on immediately, even if you are partway through a CPR cycle.
• Continue CPR while attaching the pads.
• Follow the AED’s voice prompts.
• Use adult pads if paediatric pads are not available.
• Pad placement for adolescents is the same as for adults.

When to Stop CPR

Continue CPR until one of the following occurs:

• The adolescent starts breathing normally or shows signs of life, such as moving, speaking, or opening their eyes.
• The emergency services arrive and take over.
• You become physically unable to continue—if so, try to pass CPR on to someone else.

High-quality CPR can make a critical difference in an adolescent’s chance of survival. Acting quickly and confidently is key.