• If a spinal injury is suspected, DO NOT tilt the head back when attempting to open the airway. Instead, place your fingers on the jaw on each side of the head. Lift the jaw forward. This keeps the head and neck from moving.
• If the child has signs of circulation -- normal breathing, coughing, or movement -- DO NOT begin chest compressions. Doing so may cause the heart to stop beating.
• Unless you are a health professional, DO NOT check for a pulse. Only a healthcare professional is properly trained to check for a pulse.

• If you have help, tell one person to call 911 while another person begins CPR.
• If you are alone, shout loudly for help and begin CPR. After doing CPR for about 1 minute, if no help has arrived, call 911. You may carry the child with you to the nearest phone (unless you suspect spinal injury).

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th Ed. St. Louis, Mo.: London: Mosby; 2002:83.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: CPR in Children. Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/11797-5.asp.