Which population has a different BLS approach compared to adults?

The approach to Basic Life Support (BLS) for infants and children differs from that for adults primarily due to physiological differences in these populations. Infants and children have distinct anatomical and developmental characteristics that affect how resuscitation techniques are applied.

For example, the proper hand positioning for chest compressions differs; in infants, two fingers are used while in children, one or two hands may be used depending on the size of the child. The compression depth and rate are also adjusted for infants and children to ensure that the compressions are effective without causing injury. Additionally, the rescue breaths and ventilation methods are adapted to accommodate smaller airways.

In contrast, other populations such as teenagers, senior citizens, and pregnant women still follow the adult guidelines for BLS with some modifications but essentially retain the same foundational management principles. Therefore, the specialized BLS protocol for infants and children highlights the necessity for tailored approaches based on the specific needs and physiological attributes of different age groups.