Steps for performing CPR on infants

CPR is one of the basic techniques that everyone should learn how to perform CPR on an infant, even though there are hopes that you may not apply it in the future. This is true for caregivers and parents who have infants since it can help save a baby’s life.

Unfortunately, most adults do not know the process of doing this procedure on babies, and the adult CPR certification does not qualify people for performing CPR on infants. In this article, we will outline steps for performing CPR on infants to help you do this procedure with utmost knowledge and confidence.

What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

CPR is a lifesaving procedure consisting of chest compressions usually done alongside artificial ventilation to preserve normal brain function and restore breathing and blood circulation in people with cardiac arrest and related complications.

According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended to start CPR with hard and fast chest compressions before getting to other procedures. This is because it can be done by both first responders and untrained bystanders to preserve life before the presence of trained personnel.

Even if you are unsure or you have not trained to perform CPR, know that it is better to try than do nothing at all because you might save a life.

Procedure for performing CPR on infants.

• Before starting the procedure, check for responsiveness.

1.     Ensure the scene is safe, form a first impression, get consent from the parent or caregiver, and ensure you use personal protective equipment.
2.     If the child is unresponsive, check this by tapping or shouting at the infant. For infants, call the name if you know, and if they don’t respond, tap the feet and shout once more while confirming breathing, bleeding, or any form of a life-threatening condition. For a child, shout the name to get his or her attention, and if there is no response, tap the shoulder and call out the name again. Perform this while checking for breathing, abnormal breathing, or any life-threatening condition. All these should be done in not more than 10 seconds.
3.     If the child does not respond totally and is not gasping or breathing, call 911 immediately, and get the necessary equipment, or let someone do so while you prepare the infant.

•         Next step: Check airway and breathing.

1.     Check the airways for any signs of blockage, such as food, tongue, blood, or vomit. If the airway is blocked, use the little finger to clear the blockage. Lay the baby on their back in a neutral position to open the airway.
2.     After clearing the airway, check for breathing, listen for sounds of breathing, check for chest compressions, or place your cheek to feel for breath.
3.     If there is normal breathing, place the baby in recovery while checking for breathing regularly until the ambulance comes. And if there is no breathing or response, start CPR immediately.

•         Start infant CPR

1.   Put two fingers on the middle of the baby’s chest. Do 30 successive compressions at an interval of 2 compressions per second. Every compression should push down the chest by around one-third.
2. Hold the head to prevent it from dropping down. Take a deep breath and cover the baby’s nose and mouth with your mouth. Gently blow and watch the chest rise. Take a second breath and blow in with your head facing the baby’s chest. Watch, feel, or listen for air coming out of the chest. Repeat the process after an interval of 2 seconds until the baby starts to breathe.
3.   Continue giving the compressions and the 2 breathing procedures until there is help in the scene. If the infant begins breathing, keep the baby in a recovery position and continue checking the breathing and response.
4. Be ready to repeat CPR in case the baby stops normal breathing again.

Conclusion

CPR is an essential lifesaving technique that everyone should learn. While it can be easy to do it on adults, it can be hard to perform on infants and children. Follow the steps discussed above to ensure you save your child until there is specialized help around.

Remember always to try it if you see a child in a coma, even if you are not trained or unsure of how to go about it.