Infant CPR and AED: Essential Techniques and Guidelines

Understanding how to perform CPR and use an AED on infants is a vital skill that can save lives in emergencies. Infants are particularly vulnerable, and immediate intervention can improve survival rates during cardiac or respiratory emergencies.

This article will explore the techniques and guidelines for administering CPR and using an AED on infants.

Initial Assessment

In an emergency involving an infant, the initial assessment is a fundamental step. First, ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the infant by scanning the environment for hazards and moving the infant if necessary. Once safety is established, assess the infant’s responsiveness by gently tapping the soles of their feet or softly calling their name. This gentle approach is crucial, as infants require careful handling.

If the infant does not respond, check for breathing by placing your ear close to the infant’s mouth and nose, observing the chest for movement while listening for breath sounds. This should be done for no more than 10 seconds to avoid delays. In the absence of normal breathing, act swiftly. While assessing breathing, also note any signs of life, such as movement or coughing, which may indicate the need for different interventions.

CPR and Airway Techniques

Once you’ve determined that an infant requires CPR, begin chest compressions without delay. Infants have specific anatomical differences, necessitating tailored CPR techniques. Place two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line. Compressions should be performed at a depth of about 1.5 inches, with a rhythm of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to maximize blood flow.

Maintaining a clear airway is a priority. Position the infant’s head in a neutral position to keep the airway open by gently lifting the chin. Once the airway is open, deliver gentle rescue breaths. Seal your mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose, giving two small breaths, each lasting about one second. Ensure the chest visibly rises with each breath, indicating effective ventilation.

Monitor the infant’s reaction throughout the process. If there are signs of spontaneous movement or normal breathing resumes, pause CPR to reassess the situation. Regularly checking for these signs ensures that the intervention remains appropriate. In cases where more than one rescuer is present, one can manage compressions while the other oversees airway maintenance and breathing, allowing for efficient teamwork.

AED Use on Infants

When an infant experiences sudden cardiac arrest, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help restore a normal heart rhythm. While AEDs are commonly used in adults, their application in infants requires specific considerations. Modern AEDs are equipped with pediatric settings or pads that adjust the energy level, making them suitable for infants under one year of age. It’s important to use these pediatric-specific components to avoid delivering excessive energy.

Upon retrieving an AED, activate the device by turning it on, which will initiate vocal and visual prompts to guide the rescuer. The next step involves attaching the pediatric pads to the infant’s bare chest. One pad should be placed on the center of the chest, while the other is positioned on the back, between the shoulder blades. This anterior-posterior placement is recommended for infants to ensure optimal current flow and effective defibrillation.

While the AED analyzes the heart rhythm, ensure no one is touching the infant, as this can interfere with the device’s assessment. If a shock is advised, the AED will instruct the rescuer to press the shock button. Follow these prompts precisely, as the timing and delivery of the shock can significantly impact the outcome. After a shock is delivered, or if no shock is advised, immediately resume CPR to maintain circulation and oxygenation until professional medical help arrives.