BLS Infant and Child Algorithm

This page provides a detailed guide on the BLS Infant and Child Algorithm. It outlines the steps for performing CPR and using an AED on infants and children, ensuring effective emergency response. The guide aims to equip healthcare professionals and caregivers with the necessary skills to handle pediatric cardiac arrest situations. Clear instructions and visual aids ensure the proper application of the algorithm.

BLS Scene Safety and Response

Scene Safety

• Ensure the environment is safe for both the rescuer and the victim, removing them from any immediate danger such as water or traffic.

Responsiveness Check

• Determine the victim's level of consciousness and check for normal or abnormal breathing patterns. If unresponsive with absent or abnormal breathing, immediately activate EMS, call for assistance, and retrieve an AED.

Pulse Assessment

• Assess the pulse, checking the carotid in adults and children or femoral in infants, for no more than 10 seconds. In children and infants, a pulse rate under 60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion indicates the need for CPR.

BLS for Pulse and Breathing Anomalies

With Pulse and Effective Breathing

• If there is a pulse and effective breathing, continue monitoring and support breathing as needed.

With Pulse but Ineffective Breathing

• If there is a pulse but breathing is absent or abnormal, commence rescue breathing at a rate of one breath every 2-3 seconds.

Absence of Pulse and Abnormal Breathing

• Initiate high-quality CPR with appropriate depth and rate:
• Compress the chest to at least one-third of its depth, around 2 inches for infants and children.
• Ensure full chest recoil between compressions.
• Maintain a rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• For a single rescuer, use a 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio.
• With two rescuers, adopt a 15:2 compression-to-breath ratio.
• Continue CPR for two minutes or until the AED is ready to use.
• If no assistance is available, it is permissible to leave the child briefly to call for help and get an AED.

AED Application

• When an AED becomes available, analyze the heart rhythm and prepare to deliver a shock if the device indicates, following the AED's specific instructions.