5. Special Considerations: Protocol Modifications for Infants
A distinct protocol for infants is a critical safety and policy requirement. The significant physiological differences between infants and adults mean that applying adult techniques can be ineffective and cause serious injury. This protocol is an essential component of first aid readiness for any workplace that includes an on-site childcare facility or is frequented by employees with young children.
| Intervention Step | Adult Protocol | Infant Protocol (Key Modifications) |
| Airway Opening | Full head-tilt, chin-lift. | Gentle, slight head tilt into a “sniffing position.” Do not overextend the neck. |
| Rescue Breath Seal | Mouth covers victim’s mouth only; nose is pinched. | Responder’s mouth covers both the infant’s mouth and nose to create a seal. |
| Breath Volume | A full breath sufficient to make the chest rise (approx. 1 second). | A much smaller “puff” of air from the cheeks. Give only enough to make the chest gently rise. |
| CPR Chest Compressions | Two hands interlocked on the center of the chest. | Two fingers (index and middle) on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. |
| Compression Depth | Approximately 5-6 cm. | Approximately 4 cm. |
These modifications are vital for a safe and effective infant response, underscoring the strategic principle of combining life-saving breaths with effective chest compressions.