There are fundamental differences between when adults, infants or children who need CPR.

Adults usually have a cardiac arrest because of a heart attack. If a child requires CPR, it is more likely a result of a respiratory issue that then leads to a cardiac arrest.

For an adult suffering cardiac arrest, the best and often only hope is to be shocked by an AED. A child, on the other hand, is most in need of oxygen.

Infant CPR

With infants, especially babies that are teething and frequently putting things in their mouth, airway obstruction is a real danger. A penny or peanut found on the floor can cause the baby to choke, have respiratory arrest and, as a result, go into cardiac arrest.

This is a parent’s worst nightmare, and unfortunately it can and does happen. This is why it is critical that all parents and caregivers know how to react in the event an infant or child has cardiac or respiratory arrest. Knowing what to do can literally be the difference between life and death.

If this happens, open the baby’s mouth and remove the item if possible. And contrary to previous recommendations, caregivers should NOT blindly do a finger sweep because there is a chance that if there is something in the airway that they can actually push the item further down.

For infants and children who are unresponsive:

1. Tap on their heel or on their chest — something that irritates them enough so they wake up.
2. If they do not respond and are not breathing (or only taking gasps), then check for a pulse. If no pulse can be identified, then start chest compressions. It is often difficult to identify a pulse, so if in doubt, start compressions.
3. Chest compressions should be done with two fingers at the level of the nipple for babies and with the palm of the hand for children. The rate should be 100/minute. After 30 compressions, stop to give two breaths. The depth of compressions should be  1.5 – 2.0 inches.
4. When giving breaths to infants, you should cover their nose and mouth with your mouth. (If giving breaths to children, you should just cover their mouth with your mouth and pinch their nose.)
5. Continue giving compressions and breaths at a ratio of 30:2 until help arrives.
6. If you are alone, you should provide two minutes of CPR prior to calling for help.

For adults who are unresponsive:

1. Speak loudly to the person, asking if he/she is alright.
2. If you do not receive a response, check the wrist for a pulse very quickly. If you are unsure of a pulse or it is taking longer than a few seconds to find out, begin chest compressions.
3. Adults do not need mouth-to-mouth. You need only deliver chest compressions.
4. Take the palm of your hand and cover that hand with the other hand to maximize the strength of your compressions.
5. While you are pressing on the chest, alert someone to call 911. Ask another person to get an AED. If you are alone, call 911 immediately before starting chest compressions.
6. Keep doing chest compressions and giving rescue breaths in a cycle until the person revives or more help arrives.

Songs that Provide the Perfect Rhythm for Compressions

• “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
• “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash.
• “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
• “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.

Why Learn CPR

Put CPR on the list of things to learn because it could save a life.

If you are a parent, make sure your babysitter has CPR certification, and remember for infants and children, think respiratory first.

The American Heart Association has an infant specific CPR Anytime for Friends & Family. Purchase one here.

WakeMed Children’s is dedicated to providing answers to common questions parents have about children’s health and wellbeing. Learn more by subscribing to WakeMed’s Families First magazine.