Infant Chest Compression – How To Do It?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical lifesaving procedure that combines chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing to restore blood circulation and oxygenation in an individual who has suffered cardiac arrest or a respiratory emergency. The lungs and heart play a crucial role in the CPR process as they work together to keep us alive. The lungs inhale oxygen-rich air, which the blood carries to the heart’s left chambers, where it is pumped into the body’s arteries. The blood then travels through the body, delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the tissues, with CO2 being exhaled out of the lungs. The CPR technique ensures that the flow of blood and oxygen to the vital organs stays uninterrupted until the emergency responders arrive.

When it comes to lifesaving skills, few are as crucial as CPR. Everyone should know how to perform it, especially parents and caregivers responsible for young children. However, adult CPR certification is not enough when performing the lifesaving technique on a child or infant. The procedures involved are different, requiring you to undergo proper training to ensure you’re fully prepared in an emergency. By taking a course tailored specifically to those age groups, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills that could ultimately save a young life. Simple CPR offers Adult-Child-Infant CPR/AED online training courses and Adult-Child-Infant CPR and First Aid online training classes, all based on the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.

Online BLS CPR certification courses by Simple CPR are fast, easy to follow, and incredibly convenient. These courses are cost-efficient, and you can retake your test many times without being charged for it. Once you successfully complete the online training course, you can print out your card immediately.

How to Perform Infant Chest Compressions?

Checking Responsiveness and Recognizing a Potential Cardiac Arrest

Staying vigilant is essential for ensuring the safety of our little ones. That includes recognizing the signs of a potential cardiac arrest and knowing how to respond. If you ever find yourself in a situation where an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the first step is to gently tap their foot or shoulder and call out to them. If there is no response, immediately position the infant on their back and begin CPR while asking a bystander to dial 911 for emergency services.

1 Rescuer Infant CPR

The first step is to place the child on a hard, flat surface. From there, it is crucial to locate the center of the chest just below the imaginary line between the nipples and perform chest compressions with two fingers. According to current BLS guidelines, a compression depth of one-third to one-half of the anteroposterior chest diameter is recommended.

Compressions are key to CPR and should be done fast at 100/120 per minute.
After 30 compressions, open the airways using the head-lift chin-lift method for mouth-to-mouth breathing. Tilt the head till the nose points to the ceiling and avoid tilting back further, as it could block the airways.
Create an airtight seal around the infant’s mouth and nose by covering it with your mouth while providing breaths. Give 2 breaths, ensuring the puffs are small and just enough to raise the baby’s chest.
Remember to repeat the 30 compressions and 2 breaths a total of 5 times to increase the chances of survival.
To help keep the right pace, the AHA recommends compressing to the beat of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees.

2 Rescuer Infant CPR

Performing infant chest compressions is a challenging task requiring a high level of expertise and physical endurance. Rescuer fatigue is a real concern and can significantly impact the quality of chest compressions provided. Even when a single rescuer denies feeling fatigued, the quality of chest compressions may deteriorate within minutes. So if two rescuers are present during CPR, they can alternate the compressor role every two minutes. Such rotation helps prevent compressor fatigue and ensures that the chest compressions’ rate and quality remain consistent throughout the resuscitation procedure. By working together, two rescuers can provide the necessary support to sustain the required level of energy and attention.

For 2-person infant CPR, remember that the compression-to-breath ratio is 15:2.
One rescuer will position the infant facing up, placing their fingers in the middle of the chest to perform compressions, while the other uses a one-way valve over the mouth and nose.
Both rescuers work together to perform infant chest compressions and breathing.
If an Advanced Airway (e.g., endotracheal tube, esophageal-tracheal combitube, or laryngeal mask airway [LMA]) is used, you can give one breath every 6 seconds at a rate of 10 breaths per minute.

Conclusion

Emergencies happen when you are least prepared, and it’s essential to know the proper techniques to administer lifesaving procedures like CPR. While learning the basics of infant chest compressions is a significant first step, taking your knowledge to the next level can make a difference in someone’s life. With Simple CPR’s AHA-approved Infant CPR online course, you can become confident in performing compressions for infants and young children, giving you the peace of mind you need as a parent or caregiver. Register with Simple CPR today and give yourself the tools to save a life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct chest compression for infants?

When administering CPR to an infant, it is crucial to locate the equipment needed and then quickly assess the situation. The proper chest compression technique involves placing 2 fingers just below the breastbone and applying pressure to push down 1½ inches toward the backbone. Compressions should be done rapidly, at a rate of 100 per minute, allowing the chest to return to its normal position after each one.

What is the compression rate for 1 rescuer infant CPR?

In the case of infant CPR for the lone rescuer, the recommended ratio is 30 compressions for every 2 breaths, also known as a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2. Once the initial set of compressions has been completed, take a moment to open the airway and deliver two breaths. These steps will help provide the infant with the necessary oxygen to keep their vital organs functioning while also working to restore circulation to the heart and brain.

Is CPR the same for all ages?

Not all CPR techniques are the same for all ages. Depending on the victim’s age, different approaches must be taken to ensure the CPR is effective and doesn’t cause more harm than good. For example, performing CPR on a baby is vastly different than performing it on an adult. At Simple CPR, students can learn about the different CPR techniques for each age group, from infants to older people.

Are there any differences between CPR in adults and children, and infants?

When performing CPR, it’s important to understand the differences between treating adults and children/infants. Chest compressions on a child should be done with only one hand instead of the two you’d typically use on an adult. Additionally, using a gentler breathing technique is crucial when performing CPR on a child. Only use two fingers instead of your entire hand when treating an infant. These differences can save a life in an emergency. And if the child does not respond after you perform five cycles of CPR, call 911 immediately.

What does CAB of CPR mean?

A significant change made by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2010 was the rearrangement of the steps in CPR. The traditional A-B-C method, which involved checking the airway and breathing before starting chest compressions, was replaced with the C-A-B technique. Chest compressions now come first, followed by the airway and breathing checks. While both methods can be effective, the new C-A-B approach is believed to increase the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest.