How Do You Provide Rescue Breathing For An Infant During First Aid?
Many types of injury can cause breathing to stop, depriving the brain of precious oxygen. Rescue breathing – also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation – can save a life. Determine if the surrounding scene is safe (see “How to Maximize the Safety of an Emergency Scene During First Aid”). Determine if the injured infant is breathing (see “How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation”). If not, continue with the steps below. Position the injured infant on his or her back, being extremely careful not to move or twist the head, neck or spine. Maintain an open airway while sealing your mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose. Give two slow breaths. Check again for breathing and pulse (see “How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation”). Give one gentle breath every 3 seconds for 20 breaths if the infant is still not breathing but has a pulse. Repeat the steps in this section until help arrives, until the injured infant begins breathing again, or until you are too exhausted to continue.
