How can you determine whether to use adult or child CPR methods?

To determine whether to use adult or child CPR methods, the most appropriate criteria is related to signs of puberty. The reasoning behind this is that physiological differences occur at puberty, leading to changes in the way the body responds to emergencies.

In children, especially those younger than puberty, the CPR techniques are adjusted to cater to their smaller body size and physical characteristics. For example, the compression depth and the number of breaths differ based on whether the victim is a child or an adult. Physical development markers, such as underarm hair in boys or breast development in girls, indicate that an individual is transitioning into adulthood; thus, standard adult CPR techniques would be applicable. This approach helps ensure that the technique used is suitable for the victim's anatomical and physiological needs.

Other criteria, such as age alone, may not accurately reflect maturity and body development, while weight measures like 110 pounds may not correspond with the physiological readiness for adult CPR. Asking directly about age might yield unreliable or unhelpful responses, especially in emergencies where immediate action is required. Therefore, focusing on signs of puberty is the most reliable method for deciding between adult or child CPR protocols.