In the blink of an eye, an everyday situation can turn into a life-or-death scenario, especially when newborns are involved. Witnessing a case of cardiac arrest is stressful enough, but it can be devastating when a child or infant is involved.
In 2021, there were 43 infant deaths in Cleveland, marking a mortality rate higher than any other city in the U.S. This alarming statistic shows the unpredictable nature of emergencies involving infants and why knowing CPR should be everyone’s priority.
One example of the importance of knowing CPR for infants is an incident in Cleveland Heights. Officer Ondercin, responding to a distress call, saved an unresponsive baby girl using CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. His timely intervention speaks volumes about the life-saving potential of knowing CPR.
Your awareness and preparedness can make all the difference because in these cases, every second counts. The vital importance of CPR training for newborns cannot be stressed enough. So, let’s see how CPR training can help a child in medical distress.
Understanding CPR for Newborns
CPR is a resuscitation technique used when someone’s heartbeat has stopped or they’re not breathing. If it has to be done on babies or small children, this procedure must be adjusted to their unique anatomy and physiological needs. That means the way you resuscitate infants is different from the technique used on adults or older children.
Newborns, particularly those less than a month old, have smaller bodies and a more delicate bone structure. Their airways are narrower, and their ribs are more flexible, affecting how you perform chest compressions and provide rescue breaths.
You use just two fingers (the middle and index finger) for chest compressions on a newborn, and the breaths you give are gentle puffs of air, not the full breaths you would provide an adult. Newborns have a higher heart rate than older children and adults, and their chest walls are more compliant. That means that their chests are easier to compress, and because of this, it’s vital to be gentle yet firm to create the needed blood flow without causing harm.
When CPR is Necessary
To help a newborn in medical distress, you must also recognize the signs that it needs CPR. That’s not always straightforward, as infants can’t communicate their distress in ways older children or adults might. Signs an infant might be in distress can include:
- Unresponsiveness
- Irregular or no breathing
- Bluish skin coloration
The Steps of CPR For Newborns
Once you’ve confirmed the baby is unresponsive and not breathing properly, it’s time to spring into action with newborn CPR. This process is delicate, different from what you might do for an adult or older child, mainly due to their size and the fragility of their bodies. What you need to do is:
- Lay the baby on a flat surface, preferably on their back.
- Ensure this surface is firm to avoid any accidental movements during CPR.
- Before you start with the actual CPR, try to stimulate the baby by gently tapping their foot or gently flicking the bottom of their foot to see if there’s any reaction.
- If there’s no response, and the baby isn’t breathing or is only gasping, start with the steps of CPR immediately.
- Use your mouth to cover the baby’s mouth and nose, ensuring a complete seal.
- Blow gently into their lungs, just enough so that you see their chest rise, which should take about one second per breath.
- After these initial breaths, move on to chest compressions.
- Use two fingers (typically the index and middle finger) and center them on the baby’s chest.
- Press down about 1.5 inches deep, which is roughly one-third of the chest’s depth, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- After the compressions, you’ll alternate back to giving breaths, but this time, you’ll perform two rescue breaths followed by 30 chest compressions.
Repeat this cycle without pausing until emergency services arrive or the baby starts to show signs of life, such as breathing independently. Performing newborn CPR is about maintaining a balance. Too much force can harm the baby, but too little might not be effective. Therefore, your actions need to be precise and measured.
Preparing Yourself for an Emergency
Staying calm is easier said than done, especially when a baby’s life is at stake, but your ability to remain composed can make a significant difference. Breathing in slowly and deeply can help you focus on the task and manage your stress. Regular practice is also key.
Even if you’re well-versed in CPR techniques, try to refresh your knowledge and skills periodically to ensure you’re always prepared. Enroll in CPR classes approved by the AHA or American Red Cross that teach how to perform CPR on newborns. Keep the instructional materials handy, whether it’s a booklet or an app on your phone, so you can quickly brush up on the steps if you’re ever in doubt.
Common Fears and Misconceptions About Newborn CPR
When it comes to CPR, many people believe that it’s only suitable for adults. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Even infants can face life-threatening situations where their heart stops or they stop breathing. In the US alone, around 20,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of hospital settings each year, and a portion of these are infants. Being willing and prepared to perform infant CPR, can make a difference in life-threatening situations.
Most people are also worried about the possibility of hurting the baby while performing CPR. It’s a valid concern, considering their fragility. However, the reality is that the risk of doing nothing is far greater than the risk of potentially injuring them with CPR, especially if you’ve received training. The techniques for newborn CPR are specifically designed to be gentle yet effective, taking into account their unique anatomy.
Be Prepared to Save Any Life in Cleveland, OH
Now you know why that: when it comes to infant CPR, every second counts. The vital importance of CPR training for newborns can’t be emphasized enough. You’ve seen how knowing the right steps can make a life-saving difference and why it’s essential not just for medical professionals but also for parents and caregivers. You must be ready to act confidently in those critical moments that matter the most.
So don’t wait until it’s too late. Enroll in a CPR class in Cleveland and learn how to do newborn CPR today! Give yourself the knowledge and skills to protect even the smallest members of our society. Schedule a class today, and be prepared to save a small life tomorrow!