What is the preferred CPR for an infant?
The preferred CPR for an infant involves the following steps:
1. Check Responsiveness:
- Gently shake the infant's shoulders while calling out loudly, "Are you okay?"
- If the infant is unresponsive, activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or call for help.
2. Begin Chest Compressions:
- Place two fingers (index and middle fingers) in the center of the infant's chest, just below the nipple line.
- Compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 of its depth at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
3. Give Rescue Breaths:
- Pinch the infant's nose closed with one hand.
- Cover the infant's entire mouth with your mouth, creating a complete seal.
- Give two slow, gentle breaths, ensuring the infant's chest rises with each breath.
4. Continue Cycles of Compressions and Breaths:
- Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- Continue this cycle until the infant starts breathing, help arrives, or you become too fatigued to continue.
5. Defibrillator Use (If Available):
- If a defibrillator with infant-sized pads is available, follow the device's instructions for pediatric defibrillation.
Remember: Proper CPR training and certification are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant during cardiopulmonary emergencies.