About the Infant CPR Pulse Point

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an invaluable lifesaving skill that can be used by anyone to dramatically increase the potential of someone surviving sudden cardiac arrest. The skills can be used on children and adults, but there are key differences, one of them being where to measure the pulse rate.

Facts

• The American Heart Association estimates 350,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest each year, and about 166,000 of them die. CPR initiated by bystanders the moment someone collapses can dramatically increase the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrests. With infants, the reasons for sudden cardiac arrest are often different than for adults. For example, sudden cardiac arrest in infants usually occurs from a lack of oxygen, perhaps from choking, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Function

• CPR is used when a person has stopped breathing and has gone into sudden cardiac arrest, meaning their heart has stopped and they have no pulse. CPR, when performed bystanders, is used to provide some level of blood flow and oxygenation until trained medical help can arrive. For infants, someone performing CPR should first open the child's mouth and provide two puffs of air. Then, draw an imaginary line across the child's nipples. Drop one finger below that line using two fingers press downward about half an inch. After 30 compressions repeat the two breaths, and return to compressions.

Types

• Bystander CPR does not call for checking the pulse because the thinking at the American Heart Association is that the average person wouldn't be able to find it successfully. However, for those comfortable doing so--and trained professionals--the way to find an infant's pulse is by palpating the brachial artery. The brachial artery is found in the groove between the two muscles on the inside of the arm, according to Antelope Valley Hospital. With an infant, the brachial artery is used because it is fairly easy to find. Likewise, most normal blood pressure cuffs are far too large to fit most infants. When doing CPR on adults, the presence of a pulse is checked by palpating the carotid artery found in the neck.

Time Frame

• The American Red Cross recommends checking the pulse for at least five seconds but no longer than 10. The Red Cross research indicates most responders don't accurately find the presence or absence of a pulse quickly. Likewise, research indicates a delay in beginning CPR can be harmful.

Considerations

• Infant CPR is part of most general training programs. The repetitions are the same; however, hand placement and pulse points are different. Young parents, babysitters, or even those who work in settings with young children should seek out an infant and child CPR program, such as those offered by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.

Benefits

• Statistics suggest an overwhelming majority of the people suffering cardiac arrest die before they get to a hospital. Parents and caregivers for children learning infant and child CPR--and starting it immediately--can greatly increase the chance of survival.