If an infant is not breathing, what should you do first?

If an infant is not breathing, what should you do first?

• A. Give two rescue breaths to determine if airways are blocked
• B. Begin chest compressions immediately
• C. Check for a pulse
• D. Call for medical help

Answer: (A)

When an infant isn’t breathing, the priority is to restore oxygen delivery as quickly as possible. Giving two rescue breaths right away provides ventilation to the lungs and brain, and it also shows whether air is able to enter the lungs. Each breath should be about one second, and you should watch for the chest to rise as you give them. This immediate ventilation buys time and helps determine if the airway is clear or needs adjustment. If those breaths don’t go in or the infant still isn’t breathing after them, you would proceed to chest compressions and seek emergency help. The idea is to re-oxygenate first, because without oxygen, brain injury can occur within minutes.

When an infant isn’t breathing, the priority is to restore oxygen delivery as quickly as possible. Giving two rescue breaths right away provides ventilation to the lungs and brain, and it also shows whether air is able to enter the lungs. Each breath should be about one second, and you should watch for the chest to rise as you give them. This immediate ventilation buys time and helps determine if the airway is clear or needs adjustment. If those breaths don’t go in or the infant still isn’t breathing after them, you would proceed to chest compressions and seek emergency help. The idea is to re-oxygenate first, because without oxygen, brain injury can occur within minutes.