The CABs of
INFANT CPR
By: Kimberlie Eidenire
Physical Education Teacher
M.A.S.T. Academy High School
Infant
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An infant is considered a
child under the age of 12
months.
An infant has a much better
chance of survival if CPR is
performed immediately.
If another person is present,
tell them to call 911 while
you start CPR.
If you are alone with the
infant, do not dial 911 until
after you have made an
attempt to resuscitate the
victim.
Responsiveness
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To check an infant for
responsiveness, gently
tap or flick the feet and
as if the infant is “OK”.
If there is no movement
or sound from the
baby, immediately
check the airway.
C = Circulation
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Begin with chest compressions.
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Infant chest compressions are
performed with 2 (the middle and
index) fingers. Compress on the
sternum just below the nipple line.
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The ratio of compressions is 30 for
every 2 puffs (breaths). Count out
loud as you deliver the
compressions. The compression
depth is at least 1/3 AP diameter of
the chest. This is about 1 ½ inches.
A = Airway
Next, Open the Airway:
 If no breathing is
detected, gently tilt the
victim's head backward
by lifting the chin.
 Do not overextend the
neck because this
could result in closing
off of the airway.
B = Breathing
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Cover the infant’s nose
and mouth with your
mouth. Make sure you
create a seal.
Give the infant a quick
gentle puff (breath)
from your cheeks.
Give the victim a
chance to exhale and
repeat with another
gentle puff (breath).
Continue Care
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If the victim is still unresponsive and not breathing, continue the 5 cycles of
CPR until help arrives.
If the victim regains a pulse, but is not breathing, administer rescue puffs
(breaths). Remember to cover the infants nose and mouth with your mouth
and gently puff into their mouth.
Give one rescue puff (breath) every 3 seconds. After each puff (breath), count
to three and watch to see if the victim takes a breath on their own. If no breath
is taken, continue with rescue puffs (breaths) until help arrives.
Use of the AED is now available for infants less than 1 year of age.