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Ency. home > Injury > C > CPR - infant

CPR - infant    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Rescue breathing and chest compressions - infant; Resuscitation - cardiopulmonary - infant; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation - infant

Definition:

CPR is a combination of rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the victim's lungs, and chest compressions, which keep oxygenated blood circulating.

Considerations

CPR can be lifesaving, but it is best performed by those who have been trained in an accredited CPR course. The procedures described here are not a substitute for CPR training.

A rapid response is very important when dealing with an unconscious person who is not breathing. Permanent brain damage begins after only 4 minutes without oxygen, and death can occur in as little as 4 to 6 minutes later.

Causes

Cardio-pulmonary arrest is a combination of two life-threatening conditions: absence of breathing and lack of an effective heartbeat.

Major causes of cardio-pulmonary arrest in infants include: respiratory or lung disease, SIDS, choking, seizures, poisoning, electrical shock, hypothermia (too cold), head trauma or serious injury, excessive bleeding, infection, and septic shock.

Ency. home > Injury > C > CPR - infant

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