CPR (infant) - Circulation

Assess circulation by trying to locate a pulse. This can only be done by a trained and certified person. If there is no pulse, follow these steps:
1. Place the infant on their back on a flat and firm surface.
2. Landmark- This is to find the proper area on the chest for chest compressions. Chest compressions are serial rhythmic compressions of the anterior chest wall that cause the blood to flow to the vital organs in an attempt to keep them alive, until the body can do this on its own. Bare the chest. Locate the xiphoid process (the bottom tip of the breast bone) and compress one finger breadth above this point.
3. Use the index and middle finger only to compress. For effective chest compressions, depress the chest by approximately 1/3 of the chest diameter. After each compression, release the pressure and leave the chest to recoil whilst leaving the fingers in position. Aim for a rate of 100 compressions per minute. Use your free hand to secure the infant’s head and to keep the airway open by holding the head at a neutral position. After a series of 30 compressions, remove your fingers from the chest, open the airway by lifting the chin with two fingers of one hand and with the other hand, holding the head in a neutral position and breathe into the infant twice before resuming the chest compressions. Repeat the 30 compressions interspersed with two breaths for one minute (about five cycles) then stop to assess the effects of the CPR.
4. Reassessing. After a minute of chest compressions interspersed with breaths, stops briefly and check for changes in the airway, breathing and circulation, and for any signs of life such as movements. If the infant is breathing, you do not need to continue the rescue breaths. If the infant has a pulse, stop the chest compressions and rush the infant to the nearest health facility if no help has arrived. If there is no change, continue until you are too exhausted to carry on or until help arrives. Reassess the infant after every fifth cycle.

Attribution: Avallain

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