Rescue breathing is an essential part of first aid that can help save someone’s life in an emergency. When performing rescue breathing on an infant, it is important to take certain precautionary measures to ensure their safety. This article will discuss why it is not advised to fully tilt an infant’s head back when performing rescue breaths.
Precautionary Measures
When performing rescue breathing on an infant, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Tilting an infant’s head back too far can cause the infant’s airway to become blocked, making it difficult for them to breathe. This is because an infant’s neck muscles are not yet fully developed and can easily be overstretched. Additionally, an infant’s chin and jaw are more likely to tilt back, which can cause their airway to become blocked.
Rescue Breathing in Infants
When performing rescue breathing on an infant, it is important to tilt their head back just enough to ensure that their airway is open. This can be done by gently placing two fingers under the bony part of the infant’s chin and lifting it slightly. This will help to ensure that the infant’s airway remains open and that the rescue breaths can be administered effectively.
In summary, it is important to take certain precautionary measures when performing rescue breathing on an infant. Tilt the infant’s head back just enough to ensure that their airway remains open, but not so far that it will cause their airway to become blocked. By following these guidelines, rescue breathing can be performed safely and effectively.