Infant CPR and first aid training are important for parents and professionals dealing with young children. You can enroll in a class and become certified in just a few hours. Accidents happen and knowing what to do in a high-stress situation can save a baby's life.
What Is First Aid And CPR?
First aid is the medical attention given to any sort of accident big or small. This can range from tending to small cuts and bruises to potentially life-threatening situations like burns, poisoning and choking. According to the American Red Cross, CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is a live-saving technique that uses chest compressions and rescue breaths to get blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
Choking
One of the more common types of first aid situations with an infant is choking. Babies are always putting whatever they can find in their mouths. Food, toys or anything that will fit can end up blocking the baby's airway. According to the American Red Cross, the first thing you should do is quickly assess the situation. If your baby is not breathing, crying or coughing and turning bright red or blue, something may be lodged in his throat. If someone else is present, ask them to call 911 and begin back blows and chest thrusts on the baby. To do this, sit down in a chair and carefully lay the baby face down on your thigh supporting his head and neck. Make sure his head is lower than the rest of his body. Using the heel of your hand, deliver five firm back blows between his shoulder blades. Then, turn the baby over, face up. Using two or three fingers, push on the chest just below the middle of your baby's nipples. Thrust five times. Turn the baby over again and start the back blows. This pattern should be continued until help arrives. If you are alone, you should tend to the baby for two minutes and then call 911 yourself. If the baby is coughing or gagging, you should continue to let him do so until the item becomes dislodged. Coughing is the most effective way to dislodge something.
CPR Steps
If for any reason an infant becomes unconscious, you need to perform CPR. MayoClinic.com says to first stroke the baby and watch for movement. Do not shake him. When you have established that the baby is unconscious, follow the ABC structure--airway, breathing and circulation. Put the baby on his back on a firm surface like a table or the floor. Lift the baby's chin with one hand and push down lightly on the forehead with the other. Put your ear to his mouth to listen and feel for breathing. Look for any motion in the chest. If the baby is not breathing deliver rescue breaths by covering his mouth and nose with your mouth. Deliver a gentle puff of air slowly. Watch for the chest to rise. If it doesn't, lift the chin press down on the forehead and deliver a second breath. Watch again for the chest to rise. Examine the baby's mouth and if you see an object, use your finger to sweep inside his mouth and remove it. If there is no visible object, begin chest compressions. Just beneath the middle of the baby's nipples, with two fingers, press firmly about one-third to half the depth of the chest. Counting out loud, pump at a rate of 100 compressions a minute stopping every 30 compressions to check for breathing. If the baby is not breathing, give two breaths and a series of compressions. Continue this until help arrives.
Who Should Be Certified
Because usually parents spend the most time with their baby, it is recommended that they receive training in infant first aid and CPR. It is also recommended that professionals working with infants also become certified. Some schools and organizations require a certification for adults handling small children
How to Become Certified
You can find a first aid and CPR certification class in your area by contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross or by visiting redcross.org. Several classes are available, including child CPR, infant CPR or a class that certifies you in both areas.
