Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 14, while children ages 1 to 3 face the greatest risk, according to the Infant Swimming Resource. An infant's life may be saved if you know how to perform CPR--cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This technique involves restoring a child's ability to breathe, reviving an unbeating heart or both. While CPR should only be administered by someone who is CPR-certified, in an emergency situation, the following instructions may be invaluable until medical help arrives.
Step 1
Check for responsiveness. Before beginning rescue breathing or chest compressions, check to see if the infant is responsive. Aetna Women's Health suggests shouting the child's name, tapping his shoulder or rubbing his back or chest. If he does not respond within a few seconds, prepare him for rescue breathing.
Step 2
Check for breathing. Before giving the child breaths, make sure he is not already breathing. Begin by placing an ear next to his mouth. If nothing is heard, watch his chest for any movement. Finally, the administering person should place his face next the infant's mouth to feel for any breath that may be coming out. If the child is not breathing, proceed with rescue breathing.
Step 3
Begin rescue breathing on the infant. The best place to perform rescue breathing is a hard surface such as a floor or table, which provide support and make this step easier and more effective. Proceed by placing one hand on her forehead and the other on her chin. Gently push her forehead back while lifting her chin. Taking a deep breath, the mouth of the person performing CPR needs to be placed tightly over the mouth and nose of the infant. Give two deep breaths, lasting one second each, according to the National Institutes of Health. These breaths should result in the infant's chest rising. If it does not, reposition the child. When the breaths are given, the child may begin spitting water.
Step 4
Begin giving chest compressions. Chest compressions should be given when no sign of circulation or heartbeat is evident. Medical professionals check for a pulse in the brachial artery, which is found halfway between the elbow and shoulder. Those not medically trained can watch for signs of movement or listen for coughing, according to Aetna Women's Health. If these signs are not noticeable, two fingers should be placed on the infant's breastbone just below his nipples. Quickly, with no pausing in between, 30 compressions need to be given with only enough time for the child's chest to rise after each compression.
Step 5
Alternate between rescue breathing and chest compressions. When 30 compressions are complete, follow with two more rescue breaths. Continue this process for a period of two minutes, and then leave the child to call 911. If another person is present, ask him to call and continue repeating the process until medical help arrives.
