On this page, we’ll explore three key questions about infant CPR training in Canada. First, why is infant CPR different from adult or child CPR? Second, what age range is considered an “infant” for CPR purposes? And, how does an infant’s anatomy impact CPR techniques? These questions will be examined through the lens of first aid instructors and program designers to provide valuable insights and practical guidance.
What Age Range is Considered an “Infant” for CPR Purposes?
In the world of first aid and CPR training a person under the of age of 1 year is considered an infant. Anybody under the age of 12 months should be treated as an infant and any person above 12 months should be treated as a child / adult.
Why is Infant CPR Different from Adult or Child CPR?
Infant CPR is different than adult CPR because of the differing anatomy and composition of the infants body. Because of this CPR is adjusted for infants as follows:
- When opening the airway for adults you should tilt the head back. For infants the best position for an open airway is the sniffing position
- When assessing a potentially unconscious adult victim you use a technique commonly known as “pinch and shout” to assess level’s of consciousness. However, for an infant, because of there size it’s more effective to tickle and gently pull at the foot to assess consciousness.
- When ventilating for an infant it requires significantly less air than an adult. It is recommended to only provide a puff of air, just enough to inflate the lungs ever so slightly. Because plugging the nose and ventilating is next to impossible for an infant a rescuer should attempt to seal around the mouth and nose when ventilating.
- When using the adult pocket mask for an infant it needs to be used upside down to cover the entire face of an infant.
This is just a few key issues among many that rescuers need to think about when changing CPR techniques from an adult / child victim to an infant victim.
Did You Know?
Basic Life Support
BLS or basic life support is a concept created by the American Heart Association. The BLS serves to set a guideline and standards for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for victims of cardiac arrest. The basic algorithm followed in the BLS is first, recognition of sudden arrest, second, calling for the EMS, third and fourth, CPR, and automated external defibrillation. Every first aid training program uses this in teach students proper CPR.