Child and Infant Resuscitation Guidelines
The Challenge of Resuscitating Children and Infants
Resuscitating children or infants can be a daunting task, but it's essential to know the proper techniques.
Overcoming the Fear of Causing Harm
Dispelling Misconceptions: Many hesitate to perform CPR on children due to the fear of causing harm, but using the adult BLS sequence is better than doing nothing.
Adaptation for Laypeople: Laypeople are taught that the adult sequence can be used for unresponsive children not breathing normally.
Proper Chest Compressions
Compression Depth: When performing chest compressions, aim for at least one-third of the chest's depth, approximately four centimetres for an infant and around five centimetres for a child.
Technique Variation: For infants under one year old, use two fingers; for children aged 1 to 18 years, use one or two hands as needed, based on the child's size and your comfort.
Effective Ventilation
Breath Delivery: Provide breaths for about one second, ensuring the chest rises.
Timing: Maintain a maximum of 10 seconds between the last compression and the first breath in each cycle to minimize interruptions and maintain vital organ blood flow.
Following these guidelines is crucial for successful child and infant resuscitation.