Recent research conducted by the Resuscitation Council UK has revealed that a concerning number of new parents lack confidence in performing CPR on their infants, and a shockingly low percentage can recognize the signs of a cardiac arrest in their child. In response to this alarming gap in knowledge, the charity has released a comprehensive guidebook, “Arron’s Heart,” designed to empower caregivers with the essential skills required for infant CPR.
St. John Ambulance, a longstanding advocate for first aid education, has been actively raising awareness about this critical issue for years. They emphasize that a baby ceasing to breathe is a parent’s worst nightmare and stress the urgency of knowing what to do in such a situation.
Mark Jackson, a seasoned trainer with St. John Ambulance, underlined the significance of parental preparedness, stating, “It is vital that parents are well-informed because time is of the essence. The more people learn first aid, the better equipped they will be to provide immediate assistance.”
So, what steps should parents follow when performing CPR on a baby, according to St. John’s Ambulance? Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Call for Help: Dial 999 for immediate assistance. If you are alone, administer five gentle puffs of air followed by one minute of CPR before calling for help.
2. Ensure a Firm Surface: Place the baby on a firm surface and open their airway. Using one hand on their forehead, gently tilt their head backward to clear their airway and remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.
3. Administer Rescue Breaths: Take a breath and create a seal around the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth. Deliver a gentle and steady breath for one second. Ensure the baby’s chest rises and falls completely before administering the second puff, repeating this process five times.
4. Chest Compressions: Position two fingers on the baby’s chest and depress to one-third of the chest’s depth. Release the pressure, allowing the chest to naturally rise before repeating the compression. This cycle should be performed 30 times at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
5. Alternate Rescue Breaths and Chest Compressions: After 30 chest compressions, reopen the airway and deliver two more rescue breaths. Continue this alternating pattern of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths until professional help arrives or the baby begins breathing independently.
The release of “Arron’s Heart” and the ongoing efforts of organizations like St. John Ambulance serve as critical reminders of the importance of being prepared for emergencies, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of our youngest family members. By equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to perform infant CPR, we can take significant strides toward ensuring the well-being of our children in times of crisis.
