When giving CPR to an infant victim, do the following:
- Make sure the scene and area around the infant are safe.
- Tap and shout to determine if the infant is unresponsive.
- Yell for help. If a second person is available have them call 911/EMS and get an AED.
- Check breathing.
- If not responding and not breathing or only gasping, then give two minutes of 30 compressions and two breaths for one provider or 15 compressions and two breaths for two providers.
- Call 911/EMS if a second person has not already done so.
- Resume CPR and give compressions and breaths.
INFANT CPR (0 TO 12 MONTHS)
CPR for children and infants is almost identical. An infant that does nothing when you tap or talk loudly is considered unresponsive and CPR needs to be given.
As a rescuer, if you are untrained in CPR, then give the “hands-only” CPR. The “hands-only” CPR is when you give continuous compressions but no breaths.
COMPRESSIONS
Push hard and fast as you would in a child or adult receiving CPR. Position the infant on a firm, hard surface to make giving CPR easier.
To give an infant CPR, do the following:
- Position the infant on their back on a firm, hard surface (Figure 25a).
- Move any bulky clothing away from the chest (Figure 25b).
- Place two fingers of one hand on the breastbone right below the nipple line (Figure 25c).
- Push straight down approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.
- Let the chest recoil to its normal position after every compression.
Performing compressions correctly is essential to effective CPR and can be physically tiring. If someone else can help, switch off every two minutes while minimizing interruptions during compressions.