BLS Certification Manual: Ventilations for Infants & Children

INFANT VENTILATIONS

Ventilations for infants also use the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver. However, special considerations apply. Infants have a larger head in proportion to their body than adults and children. Consequently, an infant’s head should not be extended back past the “sniffing” position, which is slightly tilted back from neutral. Excessive head tilt could cause a blockage of the airway.

As mentioned above, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for infants and children with single rescuer CPR is 30:2. In multiple rescuer CPR, the ratio is 15:2.

Special Note: As in adults, cardiac arrest can be proceeded by respiratory arrest. If an infant or child victim has quit breathing but still has a pulse, rescue breaths should be given at a rate of 1 every 2-3 seconds. Providing rescue breathing is crucial in cases of respiratory arrest to prevent deterioration into cardiac arrest.

VENTILATIONS FOR CHILDREN

Ventilations for children also use the head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver. However, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is different. As mentioned in the compressions chapter, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for infants and children with single rescuer CPR is 30:2. In multiple rescuer CPR, the ratio is 15:2. The use of a bag valve mask in pediatric resuscitation is crucial, especially in scenarios like out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and near drowning, as it provides effective ventilation. Additionally, chest compressions are vital in pediatric CPR, with the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratios ensuring adequate blood flow and oxygenation.