1. Basic Life Support for an Infant
Video 1
Video 1
Basic Life Support for an Infant
Developed in partnership by:
RCH Medical Education & Nursing Education
Next
Medical Education Jan 2014 v1

2. This package should be completed in conjunction with:
Australian Resuscitation Council Paediatric Guidelines
Basic Life Support – Child eLearning package
Basic Life Support skill stations (RCH simulation program & skills lab)
Practical BLS (RCH level 2) assessment
Practical ‘First 3 minutes’ team training scenario
Disclaimer:
This eLearning module has been developed by The Royal Children's Hospital. The information contained in this module is intended for the use of healthcare professionals only. The Royal Children's Hospital does not accept any responsibility, and will not be liable for, any inaccuracies, omissions, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in this package. eLearning modules may not be altered, copied or reproduced without permission.
Menu
Previous
Next

3. Introduction This learning resource has five components:
Before you start - reflection activity
Watch and Learn
DRSABC approach to paediatric resuscitation
Management of the infant airway
Effective cardiac compressions in an infant
Importance of Leadership
Practical tips
Patient safety tips
Resource page should you want further information
Menu
Previous
Next

4. Before you start
You are called to an 8 week old infant admitted with severe bacterial pneumonia.
- RR 82 min-1, marked WOB, increasingly frequent apnoeas.
You think respiratory arrest is imminent.
How confident do you feel delivering effective life support until the emergency team (MET) arrive?
Which role will you take in the resuscitation?
Menu
Previous
Next

5. DRSABC There are 6 steps to Basic Life Support: Danger and Response
Send for Help
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Menu
Previous
Next

6. Danger and Response Scan the environment for DANGER to self or others
Check for a RESPONSE to determine conscious state
Menu
Previous
Next

7. Send for Help Shout for local help Press emergency buzzer
Call MET – dial 777, State:
“MET call”
“Building”
“Floor”
“Ward/area”
“Room number” and
“Bedcard unit”
Menu
Previous
Next

8. Airway Airway opening maneuvers: Head neutral position Chin lift
Jaw thrust
Oropharyngeal airway (may be inserted to maintain airway patency)
Menu
Previous
Next

9. Oropharyngeal Airway Sizing Oropharyngeal airway
Correctly positioned oropharyngeal airway
Menu
Previous
Next

10. Breathing
Look Listen Feel If unresponsive and NOT breathing normally, commence bag-mask ventilation
Menu
Previous
Next

11. Breathing One hand technique:
Thumb & forefinger used to hold mask maintaining a good seal
Remaining fingers placed along jaw line maintaining chin lift to open the airway.
Avoid placing fingers into soft tissue of throat as you may obstruct the airway.
If maintaining a seal is difficult, 2 hand technique should be used with 2nd person to operate self-inflating bag.
Menu
Previous
Next

12. Practical Tips Patient Safety Tips
If you fail to achieve good rise and fall of the chest, check:
adequate seal
correct head in neutral position (not over or under- extended
self-inflating bag is correctly assembled & working
inflation pressure is adequate
Patient Safety Tips
The Self inflating bag CANNOT provide supplemental oxygen in spontaneously breathing individual
Menu
Previous
Next

13. Circulation
Spend no longer than 10 sec feeling for a pulse. Commence chest compressions if infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Menu
Previous
Next

14. 2 responder CPR Ratio 15:2 Hand encircling chest Menu Previous Next
Stop Recording

15. 1 responder CPR
Ratio 30:2
2 finger technique
Menu
Previous
Next

16. Practical Tips Patient Safety Tips
Ensure firm surface or board under infant
Allow for complete recoil of chest between each compression
The person performing chest compressions should count out loud
Patient Safety Tips
In all resuscitations there should be a clear leader
(this person may change as increasing expertise becomes available)
Menu
Previous
Next

17. Leader Role & Responsibilities
Ensure MET call is made
Ensure continuous effective CPR being delivered
Ensure monitoring is attached
Allocate additional staff to draw up drugs, fluids & scribe
Announce rhythm to team (shockable, non-shockable)
Provide handover to MET team
(ISBAR)
Menu
Previous
Next

18. Anticipatory Care
It is the responsibility of initial healthcare responders to deliver continuous effective CPR until emergency help arrives (MET).
In addition, staff can anticipate & prepare for:
IV or IO access
Administration of adrenaline
(0.1ml/kg 1:10,000 Adrenaline)
Fluid bolus
Intubation
Menu
Previous
Next

19. Resources for additional reading
Australian Resuscitation Council Paediatric Guidelines
Basic Life Support (RCH Level 2) information package 2014 – nursing education
APLS algorithms
Menu
Previous
Next

20. Confirm your knowledge
For an unconscious infant, the head position to open the airway is:
Hyper extended position
Sniffing position
Neutral position
If the individual is spontaneously breathing, supplemental oxygen should be NOT be provided by:
Hudson face mask
Self inflating bag
Nasal prongs
The correct ratio for compressions to breaths when 2 rescuers are performing CPR in the healthcare setting is
15 compressions : 2 breaths
30 compressions : 2 breaths
5 compressions : 1 breaths
Menu
Previous
Next

21. Certificate of Completion
Enter name here has completed the eLearning module “Basic Life Support – Infant” on 19/09/2018