For Kids, CPR Means Survival

Researchers are urging adults to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, especially to aid children who require immediate medical help, reports CBS News Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.

A study by the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that among children whose hearts stopped beating because of drowning, lung or heart disease, the only ones who survived were those who got CPR at the scene.

Disturbingly, the researchers say CPR is rarely performed in time, even when the injury or heart attack occurs in the home with family members present. The study also found certain kids are at higher risk of sudden death. Most victims are under the age of one.

Boys are at a higher risk than girls, and African-American children are at higher risk than other children.

The difference between CPR for children and CPR for adults is significant, Dr. Senay says. In adults, it's a technique to buy time until paramedics get there and do other things to restart the heart. CPR in kids will restart the heart. The key to survival is immediate CPR at the scene.

Reported By Dr. Emily Senay