How should chest compressions be performed on a small child aged 1 to 8 years?

The correct technique for performing chest compressions on a small child aged 1 to 8 years involves placing 1 or 2 hands on the lower sternum. This approach allows for effective compression depth and allows the rescuer to exert sufficient force while minimizing the risk of injury to the child.

Using 1 hand is often sufficient for smaller children, while 2 hands may be employed for larger or older children within this age range. Positioning the hands lower on the sternum ensures that the compressions are delivered to the right area of the chest, which is crucial for maintaining blood circulation during cardiac arrest.

This method is important for achieving the appropriate compression rate and depth, which should be about 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. The other options presented do not align with the recommended guidelines for pediatric CPR, as they either target incorrect anatomical areas or do not provide the effective force necessary for resuscitation.