Although CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should be provided by a trained person with a certificate in first aid courses, anyone can do so as long as they follow the 2010 American Health Association guidelines. This can have a significant impact on babies with heart failure. For children over 1 year of age, follow the CPR protocol for children, and the adult CPR protocol for adult victims.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Diagnosing the Situation
Step 1. Check if the baby is still conscious
Try flicking the baby's feet. If there is no response, have someone call an ambulance while you proceed to the next step. If you are alone, do step 2 first before calling an ambulance.
Step 2. If the baby is conscious but choking, administer first aid before administering CPR
Whether or not the baby can breathe determines the next steps:
-
If the baby is coughing or is about to vomit, allow the baby to continue coughing or expel the vomit, as this means that the airway is only partially blocked.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 2 Bullet1 -
If your baby is not coughing, you will need to be prepared to push on his back and/or press his chest to remove objects that are blocking airflow.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 2 Bullet2
Step 3. Check the baby's pulse
Check the baby's breath again. This time, place your index and middle fingers into the baby's hand, between the elbow and the shoulder.
-
If the baby is breathing and the pulse is throbbing, place the baby in the recovery position. See this article for more information.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 3Bullet1 -
If the baby's pulse or breathing is not felt, proceed to the next step to perform CPR which is a combination of pressure and breathing.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 3Bullet2
Method 2 of 2: Performing CPR
Step 1. Open the baby's airway
Gently lift the back of the baby's head and chin to open the airway. However, due to the small size of the duct, the baby is still not out of harm's way. Check the baby's breath again but not for more than 10 seconds.
Step 2. Give baby two rescue breaths
If available, place a face shield on the baby to prevent the exchange of body fluids. Pinch his nose shut, tilt the back of his head, push his chin up, and give two breaths, each for one second. Exhale gently until his chest bulges. Do not be too strong, or the baby will be injured.
- Remember, pause between breaths to let the air out.
- If you can't breathe in (his chest doesn't appear to be inflated at all), it means that the baby's airway is blocked and he is choking. Information regarding choking children is in Performing First Aid on a Choking Infant.
Step 3. Check the pulse after the first two breaths
If still not felt, start CPR on the baby.
Step 4. Press the baby's chest 30 times with several fingers
Bring two or three fingers together and place them on the baby's chest just below the nipple. Press the baby's chest 30 times gently and smoothly.
- If your fingers feel tired, use your second hand to help press like this. But if not, your second hand continues to hold the baby's head.
- Try to apply pressure as much as 100 in 1 minute. It may seem like a lot, but it's actually just a little more than one pressure per second. Try to apply gentle pressure.
- Press at a depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of the baby's chest. Usually about 1, 2 and 2.5 cm.
Step 5. Perform the same series of two breaths and 30 pressures until there is a reaction or signs of life
In about two minutes you can perform five cycles of breathing and pressure. Do not stop since CPR has started, unless:
-
Signs of life appear (baby moves, coughs, breathes or makes noises). Vomiting is not a sign of life.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 8Bullet1 -
Better trained people take over.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 8Bullet2 -
The defibrillator is ready to use.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 8Bullet3 -
The location is suddenly unsafe.
Do CPR on a Baby Step 8Bullet4
Step 6. To remember the stages of CPR, remember "ABC
" Memorize this mnemonic to memorize; process of administering CPR.
-
A for airway (airway).
Open or check if the airway is open.
-
B to breathe.
Pinch the baby's nose, tilt the head and give two rescue breaths.
-
C for circulation (circulation).
Check the baby's pulse. If you don't feel it, apply pressure 30 times on the chest.
Tips
Be aware that these guidelines are based on old American Heart Association (AHA) standards. The new AHA guidelines (2010) suggest a "CAB" step instead of an "ABC." The new guidelines recommend checking awareness (feet flicking) and pulse first before starting chest compressions. Press the chest 30 times followed by 2 breaths x 5 cycles. (untrained persons may use hand-only CPR and skip giving breaths). If the baby does not recover during the first 2 minutes of CPR, you should immediately seek help from the Emergency Department (ER)
Warning
- Give a breath deep enough to lift the baby's chest. Don't push too hard or your baby's lungs may be damaged.
- Do not press the baby's chest too hard. Internal organs can be damaged.
