Baby CPR
For the purposes of this article a baby is up to 1 years of age. I hope you and I will never find ourselves faced with a baby requiring CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), but if we are, it is better we know what to do and how to do it. This article is written using notes I made on a Lifesaver for babies and children course I attended with the St. John Ambulance. Upon reading my notes I realised how much I had forgotten and it made me realise how I should try and keep these details fresh in my mind.
If you find your baby unconscious or losing consciousness you should follow this procedure -
- Danger - Check around you and the baby to ensure you are both clear of any danger.
- Response - Check the baby for any response.
- Airway - Is the airway of the baby open and clear?
- Breathing - Is the baby breathing?
- Circulation - Check for any circulation
Response
To check the response of a baby - tickle their feet, speak loudly and clearly and tap their shoulders. Never shake a baby.
Airway
Open the baby's mouth by titling the head backwards, this should be done by gently placing a hand on the forehead. Check the airways to see if there are any obstructions. Unless you can see an obstruction do not dig around in the baby's mouth.
Breathing
To check for breathing listen for sounds, try to feel the baby's breath on your cheek and look for chest movements.
Circulation
Look and feel for breathing and movement.
If your baby is not breathing you will need to act immediately to maintain the oxygen levels in their blood. 2 rescue breaths should be administered immediately. Once these breaths have been performed you should check for circulation.
Baby - No breathing with Circulation
Continue with rescue breaths-
- Seal your mouth around the baby's mouth and nose.
- Blow gently until you see the chest rise.
- Stop blowing and allow the chest to fall back.
- Rescue breaths should be given at 1 every 3 seconds.
After giving rescue breaths for 1 minute you should call for help. Take the baby with you while you call and continue to administer rescue breaths if the baby has not started to breath.
Baby - No breathing and no Circulation
Start CPR -
- Place one finger on the nipple line of the baby and then place your index and middle finger of your other hand below the nipple line finger. Place these 2 fingers on the centre breast bone of the baby.
- Compress to 1/3 depth of the chest.
- Administer 1 rescue breath for every 5 chest compressions.
After performing CPR for 1 minute check DRAB and call for help. Again, take the baby with you when going for help and continue with CPR if required until help arrives.
I would strongly advise parents to attend a Lifesaver course as you never know when you may need the skills. Here is a link to the St. John's Ambulance training courses. First Aid Courses
NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.
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