CPR for infants
Alternative names:
rescue breathing, chest compressions - for infants; resuscitation,
cardiopulmonary - for infants
Definition:
CPR is a combination
of rescue breathing (which provides oxygen to the victim's
lungs) and chest compressions (which keep the victim's heart
circulating oxygenated blood).
Considerations:
CPR can be lifesaving,
but it is best performed by those who have been trained in
a CPR course. The procedures described here are not a substitute
for CPR training.
Time is very important when dealing with an unconscious
person who is not breathing. Death can occur in 8 to 10 minutes
and brain death begins after 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen.
Common causes:
The indication for CPR is cardiopulmonary arrest, a combination
of two life-threatening conditions: absence of breathing and
no heartbeat.
Major causes include SIDS, choking, hyperthermia (too hot),
hypothermia (too cold), poisoning, seizure, head trauma or
other serious trauma, electrical shock, bleeding and hypovolemia
(decreased amount of blood in the body), infection and septic
shock.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
|
