When a Choking Infant Becomes Unresponsive: What Is One Thing You Need to Do Differently?
As a parent or caregiver, one of the scariest situations you may encounter is when a choking infant becomes unresponsive. It is crucial to stay calm and act quickly in this life-threatening scenario. While the instinctive response for a choking infant is to perform back blows and chest thrusts, one thing you need to do differently when the infant becomes unresponsive is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
CPR is a vital technique that can save lives by providing artificial circulation and oxygenation when a person’s heart or breathing has stopped. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR on an unresponsive choking infant:
1. Place the infant on a firm surface, such as the floor or a table, facing up. Ensure the head and neck are in a neutral position.
2. Open the airway by gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
3. Check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for no more than 10 seconds. If the infant is not breathing or only gasping, proceed to the next steps.
4. Begin chest compressions by using two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line. Compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute.
5. After 30 chest compressions, deliver two rescue breaths. Ensure the infant’s mouth is completely sealed around your mouth, and give gentle puffs of air for about one second each.
6. Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives or the infant starts breathing on their own.
It is essential to remember that when an infant becomes unresponsive, the priority shifts to providing CPR rather than attempting to dislodge the obstruction. By focusing on CPR, you are addressing the immediate threat to the infant’s life.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding this critical situation:
Q1. Can I perform CPR on a choking infant who is still responsive?
A1. No, if the infant is responsive, encourage them to cough and try to dislodge the obstruction. Only perform CPR when the infant becomes unresponsive.
Q2. Should I call emergency services before starting CPR?
A2. Yes, it is crucial to activate emergency services before beginning CPR. If another person is present, ask them to call while you start CPR.
Q3. How hard should I compress the infant’s chest?
A3. Compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as it may cause harm.
Q4. Can I perform CPR on a choking infant if I haven’t received formal training?
A4. While formal CPR training is highly recommended, you can still attempt CPR based on the knowledge you have. Remember to call emergency services as soon as possible.
Q5. What if the infant’s mouth is blocked by a visible object?
A5. If you can see the object causing the obstruction, attempt to remove it with a finger sweep if it can be easily reached. However, do not delay CPR to attempt multiple sweeps.
Q6. Should I perform CPR if the infant has a pulse but is not breathing?
A6. No, if the infant has a pulse but is not breathing, perform rescue breaths only without chest compressions.
Q7. How long should I continue CPR before giving up?
A7. Continue performing CPR until help arrives or the infant starts breathing on their own.
Q8. Can I cause harm by performing CPR incorrectly?
A8. While there is a risk of injury, the benefits of performing CPR outweigh the potential harm. Remember that any attempted rescue is better than no action at all.
Q9. Should I stop CPR if the infant vomits?
A9. If the infant vomits, quickly turn them onto their side to allow the vomit to drain. Avoid delaying CPR and promptly resume compressions and breaths.
Q10. Can I perform CPR on a choking infant in a car seat?
A10. To perform effective CPR, it is best to place the infant on a firm surface. If possible, remove the infant from the car seat and place them on the ground or a table.
Q11. Can I perform CPR on a choking infant who is submerged in water?
A11. If the infant is submerged in water, remove them from the water and immediately start CPR. Ensure their airway is clear before initiating rescue breaths.
Q12. Can CPR revive an unresponsive choking infant?
A12. CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for an unresponsive choking infant. It is a life-saving technique that provides crucial circulation and oxygenation until professional help arrives.
Remember, in an emergency situation, it is crucial to stay calm, act quickly, and call for help. Knowing how to perform CPR on an unresponsive choking infant can make a significant difference in saving a life.