Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is easy to learn and can save lives. Before you begin CPR, it is important to check the scene for potential hazards, check the victim and call 911 or the local emergency number. CPR should be performed only if the victim is not breathing and does not have a pulse. If the victim's parents or guardians are present, you must ask for consent before providing care. Perform infant CPR if the child is under 1 year of age, and child CPR if she is over 1 year.
Infant CPR
Step 1
Put disposable gloves on. Place the infant on a firm surface, face-up with his head parallel to or lower than his heart. Remove clothing from the chest area. Place one hand onto the infant's forehead and tilt it slightly to keep the airway open.
Step 2
Place your breathing barrier over the infant's mouth. A breathing barrier is a device that protects your mouth and nose from the victim's. It also protects you from breathing the victim's exhaled air. Position your mouth over the infant's mouth and nose. Breathe gently into the infant for one second. Make sure the chest rises. Deliver a second rescue breath and remove the breathing barrier.
Step 3
Position two or three fingers slightly below the nipple line. Apply pressure straight down to compress the chest 1/2 half to 1 inch deep. Make 30 compressions in about 18 seconds, or at the rate of 100 compressions per minute.
Step 4
Place your breathing barrier over the infant's mouth. Give two rescue breaths and remove the barrier.
Step 5
Lift the infant's chin and tilt the head back. Place your ear close to the mouth and nose of the infant. Listen and feel for breathing. Watch the chest for movement. Check for a pulse at the brachial artery. Do not check for longer than 10 seconds. If the infant has no pulse and is not breathing, continue the CPR cycle of 30 compressions, two rescue breaths and checking for pulse and respiration.
Child CPR
Step 1
Put disposable gloves on and place the child onto a firm surface. Rest one hand on the child's forehead and tilt the head back while lifting the chin to open the airway.
Step 2
Lay your breathing barrier over the child's mouth. Make sure the child's head is tilted and his chin lifted. Pinch the nose and place your mouth over the victim's mouth. Breathe into the child for about one second, making sure the chest rises. Complete a second breath and remove the breathing barrier.
Step 3
Place the heel of one hand in the middle of the breastbone on the lower part of the sternum. Keep the other hand on the child's forehead so the airway remains open. The American Red Cross states that using two hands on the chest, as you would with an adult, is also acceptable. Apply pressure to the chest to compress to 1 1/2 inches deep. Complete a set of 30 compressions in roughly 18 seconds, or 100 compressions per minute.
Step 4
Place your breathing barrier over the child's mouth. Give two rescue breaths and remove the barrier.
Step 5
Place your ear next to the child's mouth and listen for breathing. Watch for the child's chest to rise and feel for breath on your cheek. Check for a pulse by gently palpating the carotid artery for 10 seconds or less. If there is no pulse and the child is not breathing, continue the CPR cycle of 30 compressions, two rescue breaths and checking for pulse and respiration.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are alone, provide two minutes of care, then call 911 or another emergency number. You can stop CPR if the victim shows signs of life, you become too tired to continue, your safety is jeopardized, an automated external defibrillation device becomes available or another rescuer takes over. To easily find the correct position on an infant, estimate one finger width below the nipple line and begin compressions at that point. However, if you feel the end of the sternum, move your fingers towards the head.
- Performing CPR incorrectly can injure the victim. Attend a CPR certification course taught by a qualified instructor to learn proper techniques in a classroom setting.
Things You'll Need
- 2 disposable gloves
- Breathing barrier
References
- "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community"; The American National Red Cross; 2006
- Kids Health: CPR
