Infant CPR isn’t the same as it is for adults. When it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation some CPR is always better than no CPR and any risk of damaging the victim’s chest through imprecise technique is better than letting them die. But when it comes to children and babies that danger increases substantially. If you should find your infant unconscious or not breathing properly, then you need to know precisely how to deliver correct infant CPR.
What is Infant CPR?
Infant CPR consists of the simple adaptations which make cardiopulmonary resuscitation safe to perform on children and babies. Standard CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery when a victim’s heart has stopped beating or when they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally, and child CPR makes some simple adjustments to account for the size and fragility of a baby’s body.
How Do I Perform CPR and First Aid for My Baby and Child?
Before you start CPR for anyone, first you need to check that the scene is safe. Don’t move towards a victim if the situation looks dangerous and you feel at risk of becoming a victim yourself, and instead skip right ahead to calling 000 to send for help.
Next, check to see if your baby is conscious by tapping them gently or trying shouting. If they are unresponsive then you need to call 000 right away, or have someone do it for you so you can begin infant CPR. If they are breathing do not begin infant CPR.
To start infant CPR, like the child down on a flat surface. A baby’s head should be left in a neutral position, and only be tilted for adjustments. Open their mouth and check and remove any blockages you can see; do not perform a blind finger sweep as this can push obstructions even deeper.
Cover the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth as you breathe in gentle puffs of air. Watch for the rise and fall of their chest, and if it doesn’t their head position might need adjustment or their airway might still be blocked.
For infant CPR chest compressions, use the two-thumb encircling technique which involves wrapping both your hands around the baby’s torso with your fingers supporting their back and pressing down on their sternum with both thumbs 3-4cm deep. If you cannot encircle the chest, place two fingers on the centre of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line, and compress downwards.
Continue to give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Continue CPR until help arrives, the baby starts to breathe, or you’re too exhausted to carry on.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a One Year Old
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heartbeat during cardiac arrest. In addition to being unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing normally, signs of infant cardiac arrest are no pulse or no signs of circulation or turning pale or blue. If a child’s heart is beating normally, an AED should not be used.
The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) recommends using a manual defibrillator for children one year old or younger, but these require professional training to use. An AED with paediatric pads or a dose attenuator is the next best option. An AED with adult pads should be used as a last resort rather than providing no defibrillation at all.
To use an AED to a one year old, place one pad on the baby’s chest and the other on the baby’s back. The defibrillator will analyse the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. Stand clear of the infant while the AED searches for a shockable rhythm. If advised, press the shock button. After the shock, immediately resume chest compressions and rescue breaths.
What Separates Baby CPR from Adult CPR?
Infant CPR differs from adult CPR in several ways. Adult CPR uses a compression depth of 5cm as they are fully developed. Rescue breaths for adults use two full breaths, and the seal you make only covers their mouth while you pinch their nose shut; again as they are fully developed and their lungs can handle it. Head position also changes, adults need a pronounced head tilt and chin lift to properly open their airway whereas baby’s developing windpipes are already relatively straight.
Who Should Take Life-Saving Paediatric CPR Training?
Everyone should take CPR training in case they ever find themselves in a situation where they are the only person who can help, and infant CPR is no different. Paediatric CPR training is especially beneficial for anyone who has children, cares for infants, or looks after kids as part of their work. Expectant and new parents should be the first to enrol in infant CPR training. Any family members, such as grandparents, who are likely to spend a lot of time looking after the newborn should quickly follow suit.
Babysitters, daycare workers, and preschool teachers who care for children should also look into getting this qualification as part of their career. In fact, professional childcare settings often require all staff members complete regular training and recertification in baby and child first aid.
FAQs
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Infant CPR Certification?
The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends renewing your CPR qualification every 12 months to keep your skills sharp and current with the latest techniques. A first aid certification should be renewed every three years.
Can I Hurt a Child by Performing Infant CPR Incorrectly?
Yes, however, attempting CPR on an infant who is unresponsive and not breathing normally is far better than doing nothing, as permanent brain damage or death can occur within 4 minutes without intervention. The risk of injury from CPR is minimal compared to the certain harm of inaction.
What Else Will I Learn in a Baby CPR and First Aid Course?
A baby and child first aid course covers choking management, treating burns and scalds, managing bleeding and wounds, recognising and responding to allergic reactions, and handling common childhood emergencies such as seizures and high fevers.