Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital emergency procedure that can save lives when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The technique varies slightly depending on the age of the victim. Here’s a concise guide on how to perform CPR for infants, children, and adults.
CPR for Infants (Aged 0-12 Months)
Performing CPR on infants requires a gentle approach due to their fragile bodies and unique physiology. Steps for Infant CPR:
Assess the Situation:
- Ensure the area is safe.
- Tap the infant and shout to check for responsiveness.
- Call for help and ask someone to call emergency services.
Open the Airway:
- Gently place the infant on their back on a flat surface.
- Tilt the head back slightly with one hand on the forehead to maintain alignment.
Check for Breathing:
- Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds.
Perform Chest Compressions:
- Place two fingers (index and middle fingers) on the center of the chest just below the nipple line.
- Compress the chest about 1.5 inches (4 cm) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to recoil completely between compressions.
Give Rescue Breaths:
- Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and give gentle puffs of air, watching for the chest to rise.
- Give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
Continue CPR:
- Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives, the infant starts breathing, or you are too exhausted to continue.
CPR for Children (Aged 1-8 Years)
Performing CPR on children involves adjustments to suit their smaller size and different body proportions. Steps for Child CPR:
Assess the Situation:
- Ensure safety and call for help.
Positioning and Airway:
- Lay the child on their back on a flat surface.
- Tilt the head back slightly using the head tilt-chin lift maneuver.
Check for Breathing:
- Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
Perform Chest Compressions:
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples.
- For smaller children, you may use one hand; for larger children, use two hands.
- Compress the chest about 2 inches (5 cm) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Give Rescue Breaths:
- Pinch the child’s nose closed and cover their mouth with your mouth.
- Give two gentle breaths, watching for the chest to rise.
Continue CPR:
- Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives, the child starts breathing, or you are too exhausted to continue.
CPR for Adults
CPR for adults involves more forceful compressions to effectively circulate blood. Steps for Adult CPR:
Assess the Situation:
- Ensure safety and call for emergency services.
Positioning and Airway:
- Lay the person on their back on a flat surface.
- Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
Check for Breathing:
- Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
Perform Chest Compressions:
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples.
- Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Compress the chest forcefully about 2 inches (5 cm) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Give Rescue Breaths:
- Maintain the head tilt-chin lift position.
- Pinch the person’s nose shut and cover their mouth with your mouth.
- Give two full breaths, watching for the chest to rise.
Continue CPR:
- Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives, the person starts breathing, or you are too exhausted to continue.
Conclusion
Understanding how to perform CPR effectively for different age groups—infants, children, and adults—is crucial for responding to emergencies. By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone in cardiac arrest. Regular CPR training and practice are essential to maintaining proficiency and confidence in performing this life-saving procedure. Always remember to call for help immediately and continue CPR until professional medical assistance arrives.
