One-Rescuer BLS/CPR for Infant (Newborn to 12 Months)
Be safe
- Move the infant out of traffic or any unsafe situation.
- Move the infant out of water and dry the infant. (Drowning infants should be removed from the water and dried off; they should also be removed from standing water, such as puddles, pools, gutters, etc.)
- Be sure you do not become injured yourself.
Assess the Infant
- Tap the bottom of the infant’s foot and talk to them loudly, saying their name.
- Check to see if the infant is breathing while simultaneously checking their brachial pulse. (Agonal breathing, which is occasional gasping and is ineffective, does not count a breathing.)
- Keep in mind not to waste time trying to feel for a pulse; feel for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. If you are not sure you feel a pulse, begin CPR with a cycle of 15 chest compressions and two breaths.
Call EMS
- Send someone for help and to get an AED.
- If alone, shout for help while assessing for breathing and pulse. (The ILCOR emphasizes that cell phones are available everywhere now and most have a built-in speakerphone. Call for help without leaving the infant.)
- If no one answers and you do not have a cell phone available, perform 2 minutes of CPR before taking a moment to find help.
CPR
- Begin CPR with chest compressions and delivering breaths in a ratio of 30:2.
Defibrillate
- Attach the AED when it becomes available. Use pediatric pads for infants and place the pads in an anterior-posterior position if they would overlap on the front of the chest.
- Listen to the AED and perform the steps as directed.