Infant CPR is a life-saving procedure administered to any victim under 12 months of age (excluding newborns within the very first hours of life). Immediate CPR on an unresponsive infant can double or triple the chance of survival. This review page summarises every critical step you need before taking the certification quiz.
Infant CPR — At a Glance
Remember the A-B-C Framework
Airway
Tilt the infant's head to the "sniffer position." Never hyperextend the neck — this can collapse the airway. Lift the chin gently to open it.
Breathing
Create a seal over both the infant's mouth and nose. Deliver gentle puffs from your cheeks — not full lung breaths — until the chest visibly rises.
Circulation
Check pulse at the brachial artery (inside upper arm). If absent, begin chest compressions immediately using 2 fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line.
Important Reminder: Do not overextend an infant's neck when opening the airway. Even slight hyperextension can kink the soft trachea and block the airway. Use the "neutral sniffing position" only.
Step-by-Step Infant CPR Procedure
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Check for Responsiveness. Gently tap the infant's shoulder, chest, or flick the sole of the foot. Shout their name or make a loud noise. If there is no reaction — no crying, movement, or eye-opening — proceed immediately.
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Open the Airway (A). Place the infant on a firm, flat surface. With the infant on their back, tilt the head very slightly back into the "neutral sniffing position" and gently lift the chin. This aligns the airway without compressing the trachea.
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Check for Breathing (B). Look, listen, and feel for no more than 10 seconds. Place your cheek near the infant's nose and mouth to detect breath. Watch for chest rise. Infants may have periodic breathing; absence of any breathing for >10 seconds is abnormal.
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Give 2 Rescue Breaths (B). Create a complete seal over the infant's mouth and nose. Deliver two gentle puffs — from your cheeks, not deep lung breaths — each lasting one second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.
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Check Circulation & Begin Compressions (C). Feel for a pulse at the brachial artery (inner upper arm) for no more than 10 seconds. If there is no pulse, place two fingers on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line. Compress to a depth of 1½ inches (about one-third of the chest depth) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Perform 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
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Perform Rescue Efforts for 1–2 Minutes, Then Dial 1-1-2. If you are alone, perform approximately 2 minutes of CPR (5 cycles of 30:2) before pausing to call emergency services at 1-1-2. If a second rescuer is present, have them call immediately while you continue CPR.
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Continue Until Help Arrives. After calling 1-1-2, resume CPR without interruption. Check for a brachial pulse every 2 minutes. Stop only if: the infant shows obvious signs of life (breathing, movement), an AED is ready for use, a trained medical professional takes over, or you are physically unable to continue.
A-B-C Detailed Reference Table
| Component | Key Action | Critical Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Airway | Neutral "sniffing" head tilt + chin lift | Never hyperextend — soft infant trachea collapses easily |
| Breathing | Seal over mouth AND nose; 2 gentle cheek puffs | Each breath = 1 second; watch for chest rise |
| Circulation | Pulse check at brachial artery (upper arm) | No pulse → begin compressions immediately |
| Compressions | 2 fingers, centre of chest, below nipple line | Depth: 1½ inches | Rate: 100–120/min | Ratio: 30:2 |
| Emergency Call | Dial 1-1-2 | After 1–2 min of solo CPR; immediately if second rescuer present |
Why Every Parent & Caregiver Should Learn Infant CPR
Cardiac and breathing emergencies in infants can occur without warning — during feeding, sleep, or play. According to medical research, survival rates improve dramatically when a bystander begins CPR before emergency services arrive. Key reasons to get certified include:
- ✓ Immediate intervention doubles survival odds
- ✓ Required knowledge for parents, babysitters & teachers
- ✓ BLS certification recognised across India
- ✓ Builds confidence to act in emergencies
- ✓ Includes infant choking response training
- ✓ Online & hands-on classes available in Delhi NCR
Ready to Get Your Infant CPR Certification in Delhi?
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