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ADAM Health Encyclopedia

CPR - infant - series

Check for breathing



Check for breathingInfant not breathingChest compressions
Infant not breathing


1. Check for responsiveness. Shake or tap the infant gently. See if the infant moves or makes a noise. Shout, “Are you OK?”

2. If there is no response, shout for help. Send someone to call 911. Do not leave the infant yourself to call 911 until you have performed CPR for about 2 minutes.

3. Carefully place the infant on their back. If there is a chance the infant has a spinal injury, two people should move the infant to prevent the head and neck from twisting.

4. Open the airway. Lift up the chin with one hand. At the same time, push down on the forehead with the other hand.

5. Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Place your ear close to the infant’s mouth and nose. Watch for chest movement. Feel for breath on your cheek.


Review Date: 7/19/2007
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork (3/21/2006).
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