Infant CPR classes: Do you want to know how to perform CPR on a child? Have you ever done it before? Read on to learn how to do it the right way.
Research has shown that many Americans are not confident in their ability to perform CPR. According to a survey, 40% of adults say they aren’t willing to perform CPR.
This is alarming since CPR may be the only thing between life and death for many children. Infant CPR classes are a must for any parent or guardian.
Keep reading to learn how to perform CPR on a child.
Check for Responsiveness
To check for responsiveness in a child, gently shake their shoulders and call out their name. If there is no response, you should begin CPR. If there is a response, it is important to observe and assess the child further.
If in doubt, do a quick check for responsiveness and perform CPR if needed. The child must be noticed to respond or a CPR must be done to help it recover.
In any uncertain situation, it is best to follow the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, and Circulation). If ever you don’t know how to perform CPR, you can check MyCPR NOW and enroll to learn CPR.
Give 30 Chest Compressions
Chest compressions help circulate the blood and deliver oxygen to the child’s cells. Begin by laying the child on a flat surface and placing the heel of one hand on the center of the child’s chest.
With the other hand on top, interlock your fingers and start giving 30 compressions, pressing down two inches deep at the rate of 100 per minute. Make sure to keep the compressions steady, and don’t lock your elbows.
Open the Airway
To do this, one must gently lay the child flat on their back and extend their neck slightly by tilting their head back. To check if the airway is clear, place a finger on the lower lip and note if the air is escaping. If it is not, then the jaw can be slightly lifted to open the airway.
To keep the airway open, two fingers can be used to lift the jaw slightly and continue to hold the position. One must also check for secretions and clear the airway if any are present. Once the airway is open, one can proceed to perform CPR on the child.
Give 2 Breaths
Before giving two breaths, make sure to tilt the child’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway. Then, pinch the nose shut, seal your lips around their mouth, and give two slow, full breaths to make the chest rise.
After giving two breaths, watch the chest to make sure the breaths are effective. If not, try repositioning the head and giving two more breaths.
After giving the two breaths, begin chest compressions again. Repeat this process until help comes.
Continue Giving the Infant CPR Until Help Arrives
This is paramount in order to ensure that the infant gets the best chance of survival. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary for the person performing CPR to continue doing so until help arrives, even if it means switching over to performing CPR on a child. By continuing to provide CPR until help arrives, you can help ensure that the child receives the best chance of survival.
Joining an Infant CPR Classes
Infant CPR classes are essential for any parents or guardians of babies or children. Knowing basic life-saving techniques and understanding how to perform CPR can help in emergency situations.
Look for a CPR guide and courses near you to be prepared and take action if necessary. Don’t wait – sign up for an infant CPR class today!
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