Can infants and children have a cardiac arrest?

Yes: But usually for different etiologies (causes). Most children and infants will have a cardiac arrest if they do not get enough air (oxygen) and this will cause the heart rate to decrease to a point where the heart can stop (systole) or go into an abnormal rhythm. Also cardiac defects or anatomic abnormalities from birth can do this too. The best treatment is CPR and call 911.

Yes: Usually occurs in severely ill children who have been deprived of oxygen, blood, or fluids. Or who have devastating illnesses such as meningitis, respiratory distress, sepsis.