Infant CPR Basics

Infant CPR Basics

Infant CPR Basics – Introduction

This guide covers Infant CPR Basics to help caregivers in Canada respond safely to emergencies involving infants. It provides clear first aid and prevention advice that anyone can follow at home. This information is not a substitute for full medical training but aims to prepare you to act quickly and confidently in urgent situations.

Knowing infant CPR can save a life. It focuses on simple, safe steps to support an infant who is not breathing or whose heart has stopped. This guide emphasises what you can do immediately, what you should avoid, and when to seek professional help.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

What You Can Do at Home

• Check the infant’s responsiveness and breathing carefully.
• Call 911 immediately if the infant is unresponsive or not breathing normally.
• Perform gentle chest compressions and rescue breaths as instructed in basic CPR guidelines.
• Keep the infant’s airway open and clear of any visible obstructions.

What to Avoid

• Do not perform any invasive procedures or use equipment you are not trained to handle.
• Avoid shaking or moving the infant unnecessarily, as this can cause injury.
• Do not delay calling emergency services if the infant’s condition worsens or does not improve quickly.

When To Call for Help

Always call 911 or Your Local Emergency number if the infant:

• Is unresponsive or unconscious.
• Is not breathing or has difficulty breathing.
• Shows signs of severe choking or airway blockage.
• Has a sudden collapse or seizure.

Prompt action and calling for professional help are critical. This guide supports your immediate response until emergency responders arrive.

Key facts about Infant CPR Basics

Infant CPR Basics are essential for every caregiver to know. Acting quickly and safely can save a baby’s life in an emergency.

• Check the infant’s responsiveness by gently tapping and calling their name. If there is no response and the infant is not breathing or only gasping, start CPR immediately.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number before starting CPR if you are alone and have a phone nearby. If someone else is present, have them call while you begin CPR.
• Use gentle chest compressions with two fingers placed just below the nipple line. Press down about 1.5 inches (4 cm) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• After every 30 compressions, give 2 gentle breaths by covering the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and blowing until you see the chest rise.
• Continue CPR until emergency help arrives, the infant starts breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue.
• Do not perform CPR if the infant is breathing normally or responsive. Instead, monitor their condition and seek medical advice if needed.
• Prevent choking and injuries by supervising infants closely, keeping small objects out of reach, and ensuring safe sleep environments.

Infant CPR Basics – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Understanding the symptoms and danger signs related to Infant CPR Basics helps caregivers respond quickly and safely. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and knowing when to act is crucial.

Mild symptoms

• Occasional coughing or gagging without difficulty breathing
• Normal skin colour with no signs of distress
• Alertness and normal activity levels

These mild symptoms can often be monitored at home. Keep the infant calm and observe closely for any changes.

Moderate symptoms

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Increased effort to breathe, such as flaring nostrils or chest retractions
• Pale or slightly bluish lips or face
• Reduced responsiveness or unusual fussiness

If you notice moderate symptoms, seek urgent care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care centre for assessment.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
• Blue or grey skin, lips, or tongue
• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures or convulsions
• Persistent vomiting or choking that does not improve

These signs indicate a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not delay in seeking emergency care.

Immediate first aid steps for Infant CPR Basics

Knowing Infant CPR Basics can help you act quickly and safely in an emergency. If an infant is unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, you can take simple, safe actions to support the infant.

Check responsiveness and breathing

• Gently tap the infant’s foot or shoulder and call their name to see if they respond.
• Look for normal breathing by watching the chest rise and fall for no more than 10 seconds.

If the infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally

• Call 911 or have someone else call right away.
• Begin infant CPR if you are trained. If not trained, follow dispatcher instructions until help arrives.

If the infant is breathing but unresponsive

• Place the infant on their side in the recovery position to keep the airway clear.
• Stay with the infant and monitor breathing until emergency services arrive.

What to avoid

• Do not give food, drink, or medication to an unresponsive infant.
• Avoid shaking or rough handling, which can cause serious injury.
• Do not delay calling 911 if the infant’s condition worsens or if you are unsure.

These immediate first aid steps focus on safety and practical actions you can take at home or in the community. Always prioritise calling emergency services for life-threatening situations.

What NOT to do during Infant CPR Basics

When performing Infant CPR Basics, certain actions can cause harm or delay proper care. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the infant safe.

Do NOT

• Do not perform CPR if the infant is breathing normally and responsive. Check carefully before starting.
• Do not use excessive force when giving chest compressions. Press gently but firmly to avoid injury.
• Do not give rescue breaths with too much air. Use small puffs to prevent choking or stomach inflation.
• Do not stop CPR until emergency help arrives or the infant shows clear signs of recovery, such as normal breathing or movement.
• Do not delay calling 911 if the infant is unresponsive, not breathing, or turning blue. Immediate professional help is critical.
• Do not try to perform advanced medical procedures or use equipment you are not trained to handle.
• Do not rely on myths such as shaking the infant to wake them or giving water or food during an emergency.

Remember, Infant CPR Basics focus on simple, safe actions anyone can do at home. When in doubt, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre without delay.

Infant CPR Basics – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is vital, especially when learning Infant CPR Basics. Acting quickly can save a life. Always choose the safest option based on the situation.

Call 911 immediately if you notice:

• The infant is not breathing or has no pulse.
• The infant is unresponsive or unconscious and does not wake up.
• Severe choking that does not clear after back blows and chest thrusts.
• Sudden, severe difficulty breathing or blue lips and face.
• Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with gentle pressure.
• Signs of a serious injury, such as a head injury with vomiting or seizures.

When to go to the emergency department or urgent care

If the infant is breathing but shows concerning symptoms, seek urgent care or the emergency department. These symptoms include:

• Persistent high fever (over 38.5°C or 101.3°F) in infants under 3 months.
• Continuous vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers.
• Worsening breathing difficulty or persistent coughing.
• Any sudden or unexplained rash, especially with fever.

When to see a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic

For less urgent concerns, such as mild cough, mild rash without fever, or minor injuries without bleeding, a family doctor or walk-in clinic is appropriate. Always monitor the infant closely and be ready to seek urgent care if symptoms worsen.

Ongoing care and follow-up after Infant CPR Basics

After performing Infant CPR Basics, it is important to monitor the infant closely and provide gentle care at home. Keep the baby calm and comfortable, and watch for any changes in breathing, colour, or responsiveness.

What to do at home

• Keep the infant lying on their back in a safe, flat place.
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature and avoid overheating.
• Offer small, frequent feeds if the baby is alert and able to swallow.
• Observe the infant’s breathing pattern and level of alertness regularly.

What to avoid

• Do not leave the infant unattended, especially if they seem weak or drowsy.
• Avoid giving any medications or home remedies without consulting a healthcare provider.
• Do not attempt further CPR unless the infant stops breathing or becomes unresponsive again.

When to seek medical help

Contact your healthcare provider or book a follow-up appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Blue or pale skin, lips, or nails
• Unusual drowsiness, irritability, or difficulty waking
• Fever or signs of infection
• Feeding difficulties or vomiting

If the infant’s condition worsens rapidly, or if they stop breathing or lose consciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Prompt action can save a life and prevent complications.

Prevention tips to support Infant CPR Basics

Knowing Infant CPR Basics is important, but preventing emergencies is even better. You can reduce risks at home, work, school, and in the community by following simple safety steps. These help protect infants and everyone around them.

At home

• Always place infants on their backs to sleep, on a firm mattress without loose bedding or toys.
• Keep small objects, plastic bags, and choking hazards out of reach.
• Use safety gates and secure furniture to prevent falls.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check batteries regularly.

At work and school

• Ensure first aid kits are stocked and accessible.
• Encourage regular safety training, including basic CPR awareness.
• Keep walkways clear and report hazards promptly.

In the community

• Use approved car seats correctly every time you travel with infants.
• Supervise children closely near water, playgrounds, and busy streets.
• Promote safe play areas with proper equipment and soft surfaces.

Avoid risky behaviours like leaving infants unattended or exposing them to smoke. If an infant shows signs of choking, difficulty breathing, or unresponsiveness, call 911 immediately. Early action saves lives.

FAQs about Infant CPR Basics

What are the key steps in Infant CPR Basics?

Start by checking if the infant is responsive and breathing. If not breathing or only gasping, call 911 immediately. Then, give 30 gentle chest compressions using two fingers in the centre of the chest, followed by 2 rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle until help arrives or the infant starts breathing.

When should I call 911 during an infant emergency?

Call 911 if the infant is unresponsive, not breathing, or has severe difficulty breathing. Also call if the infant has a seizure, severe bleeding, or any sudden, serious injury. Do not delay calling for emergency help.

Can I perform Infant CPR at home safely?

Yes, performing Infant CPR at home is safe if done gently and correctly. Avoid using excessive force on the chest. If you are unsure or uncomfortable, call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions until help arrives.

What should I avoid when giving first aid to an infant?

• Do not perform abdominal thrusts or back blows unless trained and the infant is choking.
• Do not give food, drink, or medication during an emergency.
• Avoid shaking or rough handling of the infant.

How can I prepare for infant emergencies?

Learn Infant CPR Basics through certified courses. Keep emergency numbers handy and have a first aid kit accessible. Stay calm and act quickly in emergencies.

Infant CPR Basics – Summary

Infant CPR Basics provide essential knowledge to help save a baby’s life in an emergency. If you find an infant unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately while calling 911 or your local emergency number. Acting quickly can make a critical difference.

At home, it is safe to perform gentle chest compressions and rescue breaths following basic CPR steps. Avoid using forceful or complicated techniques that require professional training or equipment. Never delay calling for emergency help if the infant’s condition worsens or does not improve.

Remember these key points:

• Check responsiveness and breathing before starting CPR.
• Call 911 immediately if the infant is unresponsive or not breathing.
• Perform CPR with gentle, steady compressions and breaths as taught in basic first aid courses.
• Do not attempt advanced procedures or use devices you are not trained to handle.
• Seek urgent medical care if the infant shows signs of choking, severe injury, or sudden illness.

Always prioritise safety and prompt action. Knowing Infant CPR Basics empowers you to respond confidently and protect the health of infants in your care.

Infant CPR Basics – External Resources

• Health Canada – Infant CPR
• Mayo Clinic – Infant First Aid
• World Health Organization – Child Injury Prevention
• Canadian Red Cross – First Aid and CPR Training

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.