The compression ventilation ratio for infants refers to the number of chest compressions and rescue breaths given during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This ratio is important for infant survival in emergencies where their breathing or heart has stopped. Applying the correct ratio helps maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the infant’s brain and other organs.
Understanding the Infant Ratio
For infants requiring CPR, ratios vary based on the number of rescuers present. When a single rescuer performs CPR, the guideline is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, a 30:2 ratio.
If two rescuers are present, the recommended ratio is 15 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, a 15:2 ratio. One rescuer focuses on continuous chest compressions while the other delivers the breaths, allowing for a more efficient CPR process. Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
Why This Specific Ratio?
The distinct compression-to-ventilation ratios for infants are based on their unique physiological characteristics compared to adults. Infants often experience cardiac arrest due to respiratory problems, such as choking or lung disease, rather than primary heart issues. This means that providing adequate ventilation and oxygen is particularly important in infant resuscitation.
The specific ratios aim to balance effective chest compressions, which circulate blood, with sufficient rescue breaths to oxygenate the blood. Delivering too many ventilations without enough compressions can reduce blood flow, while too few breaths risk insufficient oxygen delivery. Maintaining this balance helps ensure that oxygen reaches the brain and other vital organs, which is paramount for improving survival rates.
When to Perform Infant CPR
Perform CPR on an infant if they are unresponsive, not breathing normally, or show signs of poor circulation. Check unresponsiveness by gently tapping the bottom of the infant’s foot and observing for movement or sound. Normal breathing shows clear chest rise and fall, without gasping or labored breaths.
Poor circulation signs include pale or bluish skin, especially around the lips or nail beds. If these signs are present, act immediately. Call emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. If another person is available, have them call before you start CPR. If you are alone, call after approximately two minutes of CPR.
Key Differences from Adult CPR
Infant CPR differs from adult CPR due to anatomical and physiological distinctions. Infants have smaller, more delicate bodies and airways, requiring gentler techniques. For chest compressions on an infant, two fingers are typically used, placed just below the nipple line on the breastbone, aiming for a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm). In contrast, adult CPR usually involves two hands with a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm).
The primary cause of cardiac arrest also differs: respiratory issues are more common in infants, while cardiac events are more frequent in adults. This underscores the increased importance of rescue breaths in infant CPR. The 30:2 single-rescuer ratio is consistent across infants, children, and adults. However, the two-rescuer ratio for infants and children is 15:2, unlike the 30:2 ratio for two-rescuer adult CPR.