This procedure should be followed when you encounter a baby casualty.
- Dangers: Check for your own safety and the safety of the casualty. In particular, look out for sharp objects, broken glass, electrical wires (ensure these are not live) and objects which may fall down.
- Face Up: The baby should be face up. Simply turn the baby over if not.
- Response: Check to see if the casualty can respond to you. This should be done by clapping in front of the baby's face.
- Opening the Airway: Using your hand which is nearest the top of the casualty's head, place the edge of the hand onto the casualty's forehead, keeping the hand straight like a karate chop. Put your other hand under the casualty's chin (you should only use two fingers under the chin). Tilt the head back fully.
- Breathing: Place your cheek over the top of the casualty's mouth, so you can feel any air they exhale. Look at the casualty's chest and watch to see if it rises or falls. You should check for 10 seconds. If the casualty is breathing, put the person in the recovery position and call an ambulance.
- 5 Breaths: Holding the casualty's head back as detailed above, open the mouth, place your mouth over the baby's mouth and nose and breath in. You do not need to breathe in very much. Keep the mouth open, turn your head to look at the chest and breathe in yourself. You should avoid breathing in what the casualty is breathing out, as they will breath out carbon dioxide.
- 30 Compressions: Perform 30 chest compressions using two fingers. Place the index and middle fingers of one of your hands onto the baby's chest, in between the nipples. Push down approximately one third of the chest depth. You should do approximately 100 compressions per minute, so 30 compressions should take 18 seconds.
- 2 Breaths: Holding the casualty's head back as detailed above, hold the nose, open the mouth and breath in. After inflating the chest (not too much), keep the mouth open and nose closed, turn your head to look at the chest and breathe in yourself. You should avoid breathing in what the casualty is breathing out, as they will breath out carbon dioxide.
- Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for 1 Minute: Continue giving 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths for one minute.
- Call an Ambulance: make an emergency call and request an ambulance. More Information about Making Emergency Calls
- Repeat Steps 7 and 8: Continue giving 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until you are unable to continue or more qualified help arrives.
Citation: Handley, A.J. (2006). Life Support: Basic Skills to Save Lives. Broom: Royal Life Saving Society (UK).
