Babies usually have healthy hearts. But if a child stops breathing, has difficulty breathing, has an unknown heart condition, or is seriously injured, their heart may stop beating. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can greatly improve the chances of survival of a child whose heart has stopped beating. Immediate and effective CPR will double or triple a person’s chances of survival.
It is important for parents and anyone caring for children to understand infant CPR. These include kindergarten teachers, grandparents or nannies.
“Intermountain Health is now offering Infant CPR classes offered virtually. People can learn infant CPR in a 90-minute online class with a qualified instructor. This makes the classes very convenient for people as they can be done from the comfort of their home. their own home Complete the course,” said Angie Skene, community education coordinator at Intermountain McKay Dee Hospital.
“Ogden McCarthy Hospital also teaches infants in-person CPR. Virtual and online classes are available on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons or evenings or Saturdays, so busy parents have plenty of options.”
The cost of the class is $15. Class size is limited to 12 people so everyone can learn and practice infant CPR.
“There are important differences when performing CPR on infants compared to adults. Babies’ bodies are smaller and require less force and depth when compressing and less air when breathing. You only need to use two or two fingers. Use your thumb to perform chest compressions. When you breathe, you cover your baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth and naturally exhale a small stream of air,” says Skeen.
There are two compression methods. You can place two fingers in the middle of the chest just below the sternum, press about 1.5 inches, making sure the breast bounces back, and then press again. Or use the wrapping method, where you place your hands on your baby’s chest and apply pressure with your thumbs, which are stronger than your other fingers. Do 30 quick compressions at a frequency of 100–120 times per minute. A good way to remember the tempo is to compress the rhythm of the song “Staying Alive.”
Before you inhale, tilt your baby’s head back and lift his chin to open the airway. It is important to position the air channels at the correct angle. Cover your child’s mouth and nose with your mouth. Take two natural breaths and watch your baby’s chest rise and fall. If the first breath does not occur, adjust the airway and try a second breath; if the second breath does not occur, continue compressions.
The Infant CPR course does not include CPR certification. But Intermountain also offers a Heart Saver course that people can take if they want to become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The course also covers car seat safety. Skene is passionate about car seats and seat belt safety due to personal experience.
“Sixteen years ago, I lost my 9-month-old baby and my mother in a car accident when an injured driver crossed the center line and crashed head-on into our car.”
“When I was in hospital after the birth of my baby, I saw a brochure about car seat safety and asked a specialist at McKeady Hospital to check that our car seats were installed correctly before we left the hospital. I will never be grateful for having done everything. I could make sure my baby was as safe as possible in her car seat,” Skeen added.
Post time: Jul-10-2024