Check responsiveness. Never shake an infant, as this may cause injury. Tap the soles of the feet. Use loud voice.
Check pulse at brachial artery, on the medial upper arm, between shoulder and elbow. 5 to 10 seconds. Depth of compressions is ⅓ the depth of the chest (1.5 inches). One rescuer should use 2 finger compression technique on lower half of sternum. Just below nipple line. Allow chest to recoil. Rate should be 100-120 compressions / minute.
Two Rescuers – 2 thumb encircling hand technique for compressions. Position yourself at infant’s feet. Place thumbs side by side on infant’s chest. Just below nipple line. Encircle chest so fingers of both hands support infant’s back. Use your thumbs to deliver compressions. 100-120 compressions / min. 1.5 inch depth. Other rescuer is supporting the airway.
When to call EMS – intervene BEFORE the infant goes into cardiac arrest since respiratory arrest is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in infants. If you did not witness arrest, and you are alone, provide CPR for 2 minutes prior to calling EMS and finding AED. If you witness arrest, you should call EMS and get AED prior to returning for CPR.
