First Aid for Babies
Every parent should take a class on how to administer CPR, on a baby and on a child. You can find out where these classes are by visiting your local hospital, YMCA, or recreational center. Do this for your child it could end up saving their lives. These are just some tips on how to administer CPR you shouldn't use this article as a lifeline at all. These are just some tips or guidelines that could help you out in case of an emergency.Did you know that CPR on adults is different then on babies? These procedures should only be done on a baby that has stopped breathing completely or is turning blue.1. Cheek for Unresponsiveness: Try to wake baby up if unresponsive, if that doesn't work yell babies name loudly, and tap baby on bottom of feet, if baby is still not responding as a last resort shake baby very gently, or tap baby on shoulders. Never shake baby hard at all and don't shake baby if there is a chance of any broken bones, if baby has fallen for instance.2. Get Help: Call 911, if you know CPR well, continue with CPR but if you don't right away dial 911 and the operator will be able to assist you in what to do. If you have another adult there with you have them call 911, while you proceed with CPR.3. Move baby to a flat surface such as a kitchen counter or a table, if not available the floor will do just fine. Then perform the ABCs of CPR. A. Clear the Airway - Using the head tilt chin lift technique, tilt head back and lift the chin making sure there is nothing in the mouth, with a baby the tongue could be blocking the airway. Never push the soft tissue underneath the chin. Don't let the babies lips close if necessary insert your finger while performing the head tilt chin lift technique. If you suspect a neck, spine or head injury, skip to B, and try not to move baby. B. Check for breathing- check to see if baby is breathing. Look, listen and feel. Look to see if baby is breathing, look at the chest, is it rising and falling? Listen to baby put your ear by baby’s nose and mouth and try to determine whether or not baby is breathing. Feel if baby is breathing, you can put your hand out a little way from the nose and mouth and try to determine whether or not you can feel breath on your hand. If not breathing you must get air into baby’s airway at once. Blow two light slow breaths into baby’s mouth and nose, if baby is under one year. Baby’s chest should rise and fall. Be careful breathing into babies lungs too hard and it can damage baby’s lungs. C. Check Circulation- As soon as you have determined that the airway is clear, look for a pulse if there is a pulse continue with rescue breathing is there is not a pulse continue CPR. It is dangerous to perform CPR on an infant with a heartbeat so be sure there isn't one.Hopefully you will never have to be in this situation but it's best to be prepared, so go take a CPR class, it could save your babies life!!
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