What’s new in the 2026 pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommendations

OBJECTIVES: To adapt the 2025 international guidelines for pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for its application in Spain. METHODS: Critical analysis of the international CPR guidelines. RESULTS: The most relevant changes in the basic life support guidelines are: simplification of the basic life support steps, immediate notification to emergency services (112) with the phone on speakerphone, simultaneous assessment of breathing and other vital signs, and performing chest compressions in infants by wrapping both hands around the chest, both for CPR and for clearing a foreign body causing airway obstruction. The changes in advanced life support are: repeat the adrenaline dose every 4 min to coordinate it with the cycles of chest compressions and ventilation; place the defibrillation pads in an anteroposterior position in children weighing less than 25 kg or under 8 years of age; and aim for a diastolic blood pressure of at least 25 mmHg in infants and 30 mmHg in children during CPR. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in pediatric life support recommendations are aimed at facilitating learning and practical application. It is important that pediatric life support training in Spain follows the same recommendations, adapted to the characteristics of health care system and the needs of the trainees. The objective of the Spanish Pediatric and Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Group is to coordinate CPR training in Spain, with the active participation of all professionals, societies, and groups that care for children requiring CPR.