Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill that can be the difference between life and death in a cardiac or breathing emergency, regardless of age. It is especially crucial for parents to be equipped with this knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies involving children and infants. Find a CPR class near you and familiarize yourself with the following step-by-step guide from The American Red Cross.
Step-by-Step Guide to Child & Infant CPR
Printable Guide Available Here.
Step One: Positioning
Action: Kneel beside the child or baby.
Purpose: To be ready to administer compressions and breaths correctly in case of a cardiac or breathing emergency.
Step Two: Compressions
For Children:
- Place one hand on the center of the chest.
- Place the other hand on top and lace fingers together.
- Deliver 30 quick compressions, each about 2 inches deep.
For Infants:
- Use 2 fingers to deliver 30 quick compressions, each about 1.5 inches deep.
Step Three: Rescue Breaths
Action: Administer two rescue breaths post compressions.
Purpose: To restore oxygen to the victim’s body.
Step Four: Persist
Action: Continue the CPR steps until there are signs of life, assistance arrives, or it is unsafe to continue.
Note: Always switch with another responder if exhausted to ensure the effectiveness of CPR.
Remember
CPR is not a substitute for professional medical care but a temporary life-sustaining measure until professional help arrives. Always call emergency services immediately and ensure the victim receives proper medical care subsequently.
CPR Resources
To learn more about what to do before performing CPR, the American Red Cross provides information on its website on child and infant CPR. The information provided includes what to do in the event of an emergency, how to identify the signs of cardiac arrest, and what to do after performing CPR. Additionally, they have videos available that demonstrate the child and infant CPR steps so that parents can see what they should do in a real-life scenario.
In conclusion, parents should be prepared for any emergency, including cardiac or breathing emergencies in children and infants. Learning CPR techniques can help save a life and provide peace of mind in the event of an emergency. By taking CPR classes and learning about child and infant CPR, parents can be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise. At Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado, we are ready to assist parents with any child or baby scare, so you don’t have to go it alone.