Mastering CPR and AED Use for Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children

Essential Lifesaving Techniques: Mastering CPR and AED Use for Pregnant Women, Infants, and Children

When cardiac emergencies occur, knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can make the difference between life and death. These skills hold particular importance when it comes to helping some of the more vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, infants, and children. Understanding the unique techniques required for these populations ensures you are prepared to provide the best possible care in an emergency. Join us as we explore why knowing how to perform CPR on pregnant women, infants, and children is vital and how our programs at Rescue Training Institute can empower you to make a lifesaving difference.

CPR and AED Use for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women face unique challenges and risks in emergencies. Even though cardiac arrest is relatively rare during pregnancy, it can occur due to various complications such as embolisms, hemorrhage, or pre-existing heart conditions. According to the American Heart Association, in the case of a pregnant teacher in Pittsburg, the prompt use of an AED saved her life and the life of her unborn baby when she went into cardiac arrest without warning. When performing CPR on a pregnant woman, there are critical adaptations to the standard procedure to ensure both mother and baby receive the best possible care.

1. Call for Help

Always call emergency services immediately when a pregnant woman collapses. Inform them about the pregnancy to ensure an appropriate medical response.

2. Check for response
You can tap her, shout her name, and tap her again to check for responsiveness. If she is not breathing properly or is unresponsive, assume she is in cardiac arrest. 

3. Positioning

Place the woman on her back on a firm surface, in the supine position. 

4. Chest Compressions

Perform chest compressions as you would for any adult. Place your hands in the center of the chest and compress hard and fast at a depth of about 2 inches, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. To help you keep the correct rhythm, this is close to the rhythm of the appropriately named Bee Gees song Stayn’ Alive. 

4. Airway and Breathing

Open the airway and provide rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Proceed to open the airway by tilting the woman’s head back slightly with one hand while lifting the chin with the other. Next, pinch the person’s nose shut to prevent air from escaping, take a normal breath, and create a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth. Deliver a rescue breath over one second, watching to see if the chest rises. If the chest does not rise, re-tilt the head and try again. After giving two effective breaths, continue with chest compressions. 

5. AED Use

If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Attach the pads and follow the device’s instructions. The AED pads should be placed as indicated, and it’s safe to use the device despite the pregnancy.

CPR and AED Use for Infants

Infants, defined as children under the age of one, have distinct anatomical and physiological differences from adults, necessitating tailored CPR techniques.

1. Check for Responsiveness

Tap the infant on the bottom of its feet and shout (use the baby’s name if you know it) to see if it responds. Call emergency services immediately if there’s no response and no normal breathing within 10 seconds.

2. Chest Compressions

Place the infant on its back on a firm surface. Stand or kneel next to it. Use two fingers to perform chest compressions in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. You can also use your thumbs side-by-side. Compress to a depth of about 1.5 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, which is 1-2 compressions every second.

3. Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, give 2 gentle rescue breaths. Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth, creating a seal, and give a breath lasting about 1 second each, enough to make the chest rise.

4. AED Use

If an AED with pediatric pads is available, use it. Follow the device instructions carefully. If pediatric pads are unavailable, you can use adult pads, but they must be placed appropriately: one on the front of the chest and one on the back.

CPR and AED Use for Children

Children over the age of one but not yet in puberty require modified CPR techniques, as their bodies are different from both infants and adults.

1. Check for Responsiveness

Check if the child responds by tapping the child’s shoulder and shouting. If there’s no response and no normal breathing, call emergency services right away.

2. Chest Compressions

Depending on the child’s size, use one or two hands. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest and compress to a depth of about 2 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

3. Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, provide 2 breaths, ensuring the child’s chest rises with each breath. Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway, pinch the nose shut, and breathe into the mouth.

4. AED Use

If an AED is available, apply pediatric pads if possible. Follow the device’s prompts. Adult pads can be used if pediatric pads are unavailable, but should not overlap. Place one pad on the child’s chest and the other on the back if necessary.

CPR & AED Can Save Lives

At the Rescue Training Institute, we emphasize the critical importance of CPR and AED use for pregnant women, infants, and children. Immediate response during a cardiac emergency can significantly increase survival rates and outcomes in these vulnerable populations. Knowing the specific techniques tailored to pregnant women and the delicate care required for infants and children ensures that responders are prepared to handle these emergencies confidently and precisely. Our comprehensive training programs, such as our Childcare First Aid, CPR, & AED Classes and regular CPR & AED Classes, equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to act swiftly and effectively, ultimately saving lives and providing crucial support in critical moments. By understanding and practicing these life-saving techniques, we can foster a safer and more prepared community, ready to protect the health and well-being of all its members.