How to perform first aid and CPR on a choking infant / baby?

Summary

This educational video from Nicklaus Children's Health System instructs on how to assist an infant who is choking. It distinguishes between mild and severe choking, emphasizing the importance of calling 911 in severe cases. The video demonstrates the proper technique for back slaps and chest thrusts to dislodge an obstruction. It also covers CPR procedures for an unresponsive infant, including chest compressions and breaths, and advises on when to seek emergency assistance.

Takeaways

• 🆘 Choking is a serious situation where an object blocks a baby's airway, preventing breathing.
• 🚨 Severe choking is indicated by a baby's inability to breathe, cry, or make any sound.
• 👶 Mild choking allows the baby to cough and make sounds, suggesting they are trying to clear the blockage.
• 🤔 If concerned about an infant's breathing, do not hesitate to call emergency services immediately.
• 👐 Back slaps are the first technique to attempt if an infant is choking, given with the baby face down over your forearm.
• 🤲 Chest thrusts are performed if back slaps are ineffective, with the baby face up and fingers positioned below the mid-nipple line.
• 🔁 Alternate between back slaps and chest thrusts in sets of five until the object is dislodged or the baby responds.
• 🆘 If the baby becomes unresponsive, lay them on their back on a firm surface and begin CPR, calling for help if possible.
• 📢 When performing CPR, ensure to give 30 chest compressions followed by checking the mouth and attempting two breaths.
• 🚨 CPR should be continued with compressions and breaths until the object is expelled, the baby shows signs of life, or emergency help arrives.
• 👩‍⚕️ This educational video from Nicklaus Children's Health System aims to equip viewers with life-saving techniques for choking infants.

Q & A

What is the definition of choking as presented in the video?

Choking is defined as something, such as food or an object, getting stuck in the airway, preventing air from getting into the baby's lungs.

How can you tell if an infant is mildly choking?

An infant is mildly choking if they can cough and make sounds.

What should you do if an infant is mildly choking?

If the baby is coughing, let them cough as they are trying to get the object out.

What is the advice for calling emergency services if you are worried about an infant's breathing?

If you are worried about the infant's breathing at any time, do not hesitate to call 911.

What are the signs of severe choking in an infant?

Severe choking is indicated by the baby being completely unable to breathe or make any sound, with no coughing or crying.

How can back slaps help an infant who is choking?

Back slaps are given to try and dislodge the object causing the choking by applying force to the baby's back.

What is the correct position for giving back slaps to an infant?

The infant should be placed face down over your forearm, with their head and neck supported by your hand, and you may sit with your forearm on your thigh.

How many back slaps should be given in a series?

A series of 5 back slaps should be given.

What should you do if back slaps do not dislodge the object causing the choking?

If back slaps do not work, the baby should be turned face up and given 5 chest thrusts just below the mid-nipple line over the center of the chest.

What is the procedure if an infant becomes unresponsive during choking?

If the baby becomes unresponsive and floppy, place them on their back on a hard surface and begin CPR, calling for help or emergency services.

How are chest compressions performed on an infant during CPR?

Chest compressions are performed with two fingers just below the mid-nipple line in the center of the baby's chest, pushing hard and fast while counting to 30.

What should you do after giving 30 chest compressions during CPR?

After 30 compressions, check the infant's mouth to see if the object has come forward. If visible, remove it, but do not insert your fingers if the object is not visible. Then attempt to give 2 rescue breaths.