5.0 Procedural Modifications: The Infant Patient
The anatomical differences in infants—including smaller, more fragile airways—demand a delicate and modified approach. Common causes of respiratory arrest in this population include drowning, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), infections, birth trauma, poisoning, and congenital heart or respiratory problems.
- Responsiveness Check Check for responsiveness by gently tapping the bottom of the infant’s heel or shoulder. Do not shake an infant.
- Airway Management Proper head positioning is critical. Place the infant on a firm surface and gently tilt the head into a neutral “sniffing position.” Avoid hyperextending the neck, as this can obstruct their flexible airway.
- Breathing Assessment The “Look, Listen, Feel” method is used for 10 seconds, identical to the adult protocol.
- Administering Rescue Breaths Cover both the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth to create a seal. Deliver two gentle “puffs” of air from your cheeks, not full breaths. Each puff should last about 1 second and be just forceful enough to make the chest rise slightly. CAUTION: Deliver gentle puffs only. Over-inflating an infant’s lungs with forceful breaths can cause serious injury.
Ventilation is critical, but it is only one half of the equation. It must be seamlessly integrated with circulatory support when a pulse is absent.