Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving skill. In child care settings, emergencies can happen without warning. A child may #choke, stop breathing, or collapse. When this happens, your actions matter.
CPR helps keep blood and oxygen moving to the brain and body until medical help arrives. But CPR only works well when it is done the right way. Even small mistakes can reduce its effectiveness.
Knowing the most common CPR mistakes and how to avoid them can help you feel more confident and prepared. This article will guide you step by step using clear, simple #language. #ChildCareSafety
What Are the Most Common CPR Mistakes?
Many CPR mistakes happen because people panic, forget steps, or have not practiced recently. The good news is that these mistakes can be avoided with training and refreshers.
Below are some of the most common CPR mistakes and what you can do instead.
Mistake 1: Waiting Too Long to Start CPR
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to act.
Some providers hesitate because they are unsure:
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Is the child really unresponsive?
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Should I wait for help?
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What if I do it wrong?
How to avoid this mistake:
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If a child is not responsive and not breathing normally, act right away
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Call 911 or have someone else call
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Start CPR immediately
It is better to start CPR and be #safe than to wait and lose valuable time. #CPRPreparedness
Mistake 2: Not Calling for Help Right Away
Another common mistake is forgetting to call for #emergency help.
In an emergency, CPR is important, but medical help is still needed.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Shout for help as soon as you notice an emergency
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Call 911 or direct another adult to call
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Follow your center’s emergency plan
Practicing emergency roles ahead of time helps everyone know what to do.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong CPR Technique for the Child’s Age
CPR is different for:
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Infants
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Children
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Adults
Using the wrong technique can make CPR less effective or cause injury.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Learn the correct steps for infants and children
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Use proper hand placement and pressure
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Follow age-appropriate breathing and compression rules
This is why regular training is so important. ChildCareEd’s First Aid & CPR Blended Courses are designed to teach age-appropriate CPR skills for child care providers:
Mistake 4: Not Pushing Hard or Fast Enough
Some providers worry about hurting the child, so they push too gently or too slowly.
CPR needs:
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Firm compressions
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A steady rhythm
How to avoid this mistake:
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Push hard enough to move the chest
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Push fast and steady
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Let the chest rise fully between compressions
Good CPR may feel uncomfortable, but it is meant to save a life.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Check for Breathing
Another mistake is not checking breathing correctly.
Sometimes a child may have irregular or gasping breaths, which are not normal breathing.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Look for chest movement
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Listen for breathing sounds
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If breathing is not normal, start CPR
Training helps you recognize the difference between normal and abnormal breathing.
Mistake 6: Stopping CPR Too Soon
Some people stop CPR too #early because they get tired or think help is coming soon.
Stopping CPR can reduce oxygen to the brain.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Continue CPR until help arrives
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Stop only if the child starts breathing normally
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Switch with another trained adult if available
Practicing CPR builds stamina and confidence.
Mistake 7: Poor Preparation and Outdated Training
Skills fade if they are not practiced. Many CPR mistakes happen because training is outdated.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Renew CPR and First Aid training on time
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Take refresher courses regularly
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Practice emergency drills
You may also want to explore ChildCareEd’s 6-Hour Medication Administration Course, which supports safe responses during #health-related emergencies.
Mistake 8: Not Having Emergency Supplies Ready
In an emergency, searching for supplies wastes time.
How to avoid this mistake:
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Keep first aid kits stocked and easy to find
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Check supplies often
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Make sure #staff know where kits are located
ChildCareEd offers a helpful First Aid Kit Checklist for Administrators, which can support readiness and #safety planning.
Being prepared reduces #stress during emergencies. #EmergencyReady
How Can Training Help Prevent CPR Mistakes?
Training is one of the best ways to avoid mistakes. It helps you:
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Practice correct techniques
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Learn what to do under pressure
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Build muscle memory
Reading and #learning from trusted resources also helps. You may find this related article helpful:
First Aid & CPR Tips Every Child Care Provider Should Know
The more you learn, the more confident you become.
How Can Child Care Programs Support CPR Readiness?
Directors and administrators #play an important role in CPR readiness.
Programs can:
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Schedule regular CPR training
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Practice emergency drills
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Review emergency plans often
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Encourage staff to ask questions
When CPR is treated as a shared responsibility, everyone benefits—especially children.
What Is the Best Way to Stay Confident During CPR?
Confidence comes from preparation.
Here are simple ways to stay ready:
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Take CPR training seriously
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Practice skills during drills
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Review steps often
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Stay calm and focused
Remember, doing something is better than doing nothing. Your training is there to guide you.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding CPR Mistakes
CPR mistakes are common, but they are also preventable. By learning what to watch for and practicing often, child care providers can respond quickly and #safely during emergencies.
Training, preparation, and confidence work together to save lives.
To continue learning and stay connected, follow ChildCareEd on social media for tips, reminders, and training updates:
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Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childcareed/
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Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareed
Stay informed, stay prepared, and keep making safety a top priority.
