Infant Basic Life Support

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Infant Basic Life Support (BLS) is a crucial set of skills that caregivers should know to respond effectively in emergencies involving infants, defined as children under the age of 1 year. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or caregiver, understanding these steps can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of an infant in distress.

1. Assess the Situation:
  • Safety First: Ensure the area is safe for both you and the infant.
  • Check Responsiveness: Gently tap or stimulate the infant to see if they respond.

2. Activate Emergency Response:

  • Call for Help: If the infant is unresponsive or not breathing normally, shout for help immediately.
  • Activate Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Instruct someone to call EMS or do so yourself if alone.

3. Check for Breathing:

  • Look, Listen, and Feel: Place your ear close to the infant’s mouth and nose.
  • Normal Breathing: Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek.

4. Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if Necessary:

  • Positioning: Place the infant on a firm, flat surface, such as the floor or ground.
  • Compressions: Use two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line.
    • Depth: Compress the chest about 1.5 inches (about 1/3 the depth of the chest).
    • Rate: Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
  • Ventilations: Give gentle breaths after 30 compressions.
    • Technique: Cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth and give small, gentle puffs of air.

5. Continue CPR and Monitor:

  • Cycle: Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
  • Monitor Breathing: Periodically check for signs of normal breathing and circulation.
  • Continue Until Help Arrives: Continue CPR until the infant starts breathing normally, EMS arrives, or you are too exhausted to continue.

6. AED (Automated External Defibrillator):

  • Use if Available: If an AED is nearby, follow the voice prompts for use after starting CPR.

7. Recovery Position:

  • After CPR: If the infant is breathing normally and responsive, place them in a recovery position on their side to maintain an open airway.

8. Training and Preparation:

  • Learn BLS: Take an infant CPR and BLS course to become proficient in these lifesaving skills.
  • Regular Practice: Refresh your skills regularly to maintain confidence and readiness.

 

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