5 Types of CPR Explained (Adult, Child, Infant, Hands-Only and BLS)

 

A stranger collapsing at a grocery store needs something different from a toddler who stops breathing in the bathtub, and knowing that difference can be the reason one of them survives. CPR is not a single technique. It is a family of related skills, each built for a specific age group or level of training. If you have ever wondered how many types of CPR exist, or which one applies to you, here is a quick rundown of the five main categories, what sets each apart, and where to go for the full walkthrough on any of them.

1. Adult CPR

Adult CPR is used for adults and adolescents who have reached puberty.

  • Hand placement: Place two hands in the center of the chest.

  • Compression depth: Push about 2 inches (5 cm) deep.

  • Compression rate: Perform 100–120 compressions per minute.

  • Compression-to-breath ratio: If trained, give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

  • CPR sequence: Follow the CAB approach: Compressions, Airway, Breathing, which prioritizes chest compressions to maintain blood flow during cardiac arrest.

Adult CPR is the foundation for all other CPR techniques. Child and infant CPR follow the same basic principles but use different hand placement and compression depth based on the person's age and size.

Learn more: See our guide on how to perform CPR compressions on an adult or read what CAB stands for in CPR to understand why this sequence is used.

2. Child CPR

Child CPR is used for children aged 1 year until the onset of puberty. While the basic CPR steps remain the same, the technique is adjusted to match a child's smaller body.

  • Age group: Children aged 1 year until puberty.

  • Hand placement: Use one or two hands, depending on the child's size.

  • Compression depth: Compress the chest about one-third of its depth (approximately 2 inches or 5 cm).

  • Compression rate: Perform 100–120 compressions per minute.

  • Compression-to-breath ratio: If trained, give 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths for a single rescuer. Healthcare providers using two rescuers follow a 15:2 ratio.

  • Why rescue breaths matter: Children are more likely to experience cardiac arrest due to breathing problems, making rescue breaths an essential part of CPR.

Because the differences between child and adult CPR can be difficult to remember during an emergency, proper CPR training is strongly recommended. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on performing CPR on children and infants.

3. Infant CPR

Infant CPR is designed for babies under one year old, and it looks noticeably different from either adult or child CPR. Rescuers use two fingers rather than a full hand, compressing about one third of the chest's depth, and every step calls for extra gentleness given how delicate an infant's chest and airway are.

Infant CPR deserves its own dedicated training rather than a quick mental adjustment from the adult version. Our guide to infant chest compression technique covers one-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios in detail, and our piece on infant CPR certification and why it matters explains why parents, babysitters, and caregivers benefit from taking it seriously.

4. Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR strips the process down to continuous chest compressions, no rescue breaths involved. It is the technique the American Heart Association recommends for untrained bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse, since it removes the hesitation that mouth-to-mouth breathing can cause for someone with no training.

Hands-only CPR is not generally the first choice for infants or children, since pediatric emergencies are more often tied to a breathing problem, and rescue breaths matter more in those cases. For a closer look at how hands-only compares with full CPR and where BLS fits into the picture, see the key differences between CPR and BLS, and for the research behind why compressions alone can still save a life, read how hands-only CPR saves lives.

5. BLS (Basic Life Support)

BLS sits a level above standard CPR. It covers CPR across all age groups, but adds AED operation, airway management tools like a bag-valve mask, and coordinated two-rescuer and team-based response. BLS is generally required for healthcare workers, EMS personnel, and anyone whose job puts them in a clinical or emergency-response setting, rather than something the general public needs.

If you are choosing between a standard CPR course and BLS, the deciding factor usually comes down to your workplace requirements. Our comparison of Heartsaver versus BLS breaks down which certification fits which role, and you can start BLS training directly through our Healthcare Provider BLS Professional CPR course.

Which Type of CPR Training Do You Need?

Matching yourself to the right course is usually simpler than it sounds.

If you are a member of the general public who wants basic preparedness, an Adult CPR/AED course covers the essentials for helping another adult in an emergency. If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, or anyone who spends regular time around kids, an Adult-Child-Infant CPR/AED course covers all three age groups in a single certification, so you are not caught without the right technique depending on who needs help. If you work in healthcare, EMS, or any role with a BLS requirement, the Healthcare Provider BLS Professional CPR course is the one your employer will likely ask for.

Still not sure which certification your role actually calls for? Our guide on choosing the ideal CPR class walks through the questions worth asking before you enroll.

Ready to Get Certified

Knowing that these five types of CPR exist is the easy part. Building the muscle memory to use the right one under pressure is what actually happens in a course. SimpleCPR's online training follows the American Health Association (AHA guidelines compliant with 2020 ECC guidelines, runs 60 to 90 minutes on average, includes unlimited exam retakes, and lets you print your certification card the moment you finish. Courses start at $19.95, with combined CPR and First Aid options available for those who want broader coverage in one certification.

Browse the full CPR and First Aid course catalog to find the training that matches your age group and role, and get certified on your own schedule.

What are the five main types of CPR?
The five main types of CPR are Adult CPR, Child CPR, Infant CPR, Hands-Only CPR, and Basic Life Support (BLS). Each is designed for a specific age group or level of training.

What's the difference between CPR and BLS?
CPR teaches chest compressions and rescue breaths for responding to cardiac arrest. BLS includes CPR, AED use, airway management, and team-based resuscitation, making it the standard certification for healthcare professionals.

Is Hands-Only CPR as effective as CPR with rescue breaths?
For adults in sudden cardiac arrest, Hands-Only CPR is highly effective and recommended for untrained bystanders. For infants and children, CPR with rescue breaths is more effective because their cardiac arrest is often caused by breathing problems.

When should you switch from child CPR to adult CPR?
Use child CPR until the onset of puberty. Once a child reaches puberty, follow adult CPR guidelines, including adult compression depth.

Do I need BLS certification if I'm not a healthcare professional?
Usually not. A standard CPR and AED course is sufficient for most people. BLS certification is generally required for healthcare providers and emergency responders.

Why are rescue breaths more important for infants and children?
Infants and children are more likely to experience cardiac arrest due to breathing problems rather than heart conditions. Rescue breaths help restore oxygen while chest compressions keep blood circulating. 

To Know More:
https://www.simplecpr.com/online-cpr-blog/5-types-of-cpr-explained-adult-child-infant-hands-only-and-bls/

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