Understanding the Basics of CPR for Adults and Babies

The Mechanism of CPR differently applied in Adults and Babies

The nature of injury and susceptibility varies greatly between adults and babies, affecting how CPR is carried out. In adults, heart issues are the most common cause of cardiac arrest whereas for babies, it's mostly a respiratory problem. This difference necessitates a different approach in conducting CPR.

• In adults, the focus is often on chest compressions to restart the heart. The basic steps involve positioning your hands at the center of the victim’s chest and pressing hard and fast until medical help arrives.
• In contrast, babies need more of a balance between both chest compressions and ventilations. This is because in most cases where a baby stops breathing, it’s due to respiratory issues rather than cardiac issues.
• In addition, babies have softer bones and are more fragile to heavy force, so chest compressions on a baby require fewer fingers and less depth compared to adults.

The Appropriate CPR Ratio for Adults versus Babies

How often breaths are given in relation to chest compressions, known as the CPR ratio, also differs between adults and babies. The respiratory system and pulse rate of babies are different from adults, leading to the need for an adjustment in the CPR ratio.

• The CPR ratio for adult victims is 30:2, that is, 30 compressions to 2 breaths. This is under the assumption that the victim has a more balanced physiological state.
• For babies, to account for their higher metabolic rate and oxygen needs, the recommended CPR ratio is 15:2, which is 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
• The compressions can be quickly exhausted due to a baby's higher pulse rate and therefore, smaller ratio is preferred to keep them stable.

Techniques of Administering Breaths in CPR between Adults and Babies

The techniques of giving breaths during CPR are different for adults and babies because of their size and the amount of breathing they require. There's a difference not only in how breaths are given but also the amount of breath given.

• In adults, one typically pinches the victim's nose, seals the victim's mouth with theirs and gives two full breaths while watching the chest rise.
• When it involves infants, however, giving breaths require to cover both nose and mouth, and instead of giving a full breath, only "puffs" of airs are supposed to be provided, ensuring their little lungs are not over-inflated.
• Providing breaths to babies should be gentle and less forceful than in adults to avoid causing any potential lung damage.