Entering the realm of drowning incidents, especially involving infants, can evoke profound fear. Swift, effective responses become the lifeline, ensuring the best possible outcome. In this blog, we’ll journey through the essential steps of infant resuscitation after drowning, providing parents and caregivers with the knowledge to act compassionately in an emergency.
Recognising the Signs:
1. Immediate Action: If you find an infant drowning or submerged in water, respond urgently. Every passing moment is critical in such heart-wrenching situations.
2. Retrieve the Infant: Gently and swiftly bring the infant out of the water, cradling their head and neck with utmost care.
3. Check Responsiveness: Tap their foot or call their name to assess responsiveness. If met with silence, embark on the following steps.
CPR for Infants:
1. Place on a Firm Surface: Lay the infant down on a solid surface, preferably a firm floor, ensuring a safe environment.
2. Open the Airway: Tenderly tilt the infant’s head backward to open the airway, using two fingers to lift the chin gently.
3. Breaths and Compressions: Administer two gentle rescue breaths, covering the infant’s mouth and nose. If the breaths yield no chest rise, reevaluate the airway. If still no response, begin delicate chest compressions.
4. Chest Compressions: Employ two fingers to compress the chest approximately 1.5 inches deep, maintaining a rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute.
5. Continue CPR: Execute cycles of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the infant breathes independently, professional help arrives, or physical limitations intervene.
Seeking Emergency Help:
1. Call 108/102 or Emergency Services: While administering CPR, initiate a call for professional help urgently.
2. Stay Calm: Maintain composure to communicate effectively with emergency responders. Offer precise information about the situation and adhere to their instructions.
Preventing Drowning Incidents:
1. Supervision: Always keep a watchful eye on infants around water, whether in a bathtub, pool, or any water source.
2. Swimming Lessons: Enroll infants in age-appropriate swimming lessons to introduce them gently to water safety measures.
3. Childproofing: Secure your home to prevent unsupervised access to water sources.
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