In 2025, the AHA and AAP teamed up for the latest Cardiac arrest guides- worth a read overall, Peds had a couple tweaks which should be recognized.
2-finger CPR is OUT. It has been shown to be ineffective, so the Two Thumb–Encircling Hands Technique should be used on ALL infants.
Grab your AED early. While a staple of adult BLS, this is now being emphasized in pediatrics as well.
For foreign body aspiration, remember to start with 5 back blows, but if the child is <1year old follow with chest thrusts, those who are older may receive abdominal thrusts. Repeat as needed. This has been in the literature for a while but was re-enforced due to potential injury to infants who receive abdominal thrusts.
References
Lasa JJ, Dhillon GS, Duff JP, Hayes J, Kamath-Rayne BD, Levy A, Mahgoub M, Morgan RW, McCormick T, Roberts JS, Ross CE, Schexnayder SM, Sweberg T, Valdés SO, Topjian AA. Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025 Oct 21;152(16_suppl_2):S479-S537. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001368. Epub 2025 Oct 22. PMID: 41122885.
