Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- When to Perform Chest Thrusts
- Correct Depth for Chest Thrusts
- Steps to Perform Chest Thrusts for an Infant
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Saving Lives with Proper Chest Thrusts
Introduction
Chest thrusts are controlled compressions applied to an infant’s chest to clear an obstruction or restore breathing. They are a part of Basic Life Support (BLS) for infants and are commonly used during choking incidents or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Since infants are fragile, with soft chest bones and tissues, understanding the correct depth and technique minimizes the risks. When an infant has a blocked airway or stops breathing, quick and proper action can save their life. This blog explains how to perform chest thrusts to an infant, the recommended depth, and why precision is important.
When To Perform Chest Thrusts
Chest thrusts are one of the most important techniques used in emergencies for infants under one year of age. They are life-saving techniques employed in emergencies involving infants and adults. So, if you are wondering in which situations you may need to give chest thrusts in which of the following situations, here are some of the probable scenarios:
- Choking: If an object blocks the airway and the infant cannot breathe, cry, or cough.
- Unconsciousness: If the infant becomes unresponsive due to a lack of oxygen.
- Cardiac Arrest: If the infant’s heart stops beating or breathing stops.
- Severe Respiratory Distress: If the infant is struggling to breathe, with visible chest retractions or wheezing.
- Cyanosis: If the infant’s skin, lips, or nails turn bluish due to a lack of oxygen.
- Failure to Respond to Stimulation: If the infant does not react to loud sounds, touch, or other stimuli.
Correct Depth For Chest Thrusts
Now that you know chest thrusts, you might be wondering, when giving chest thrusts to an infant, to which depth should you press?
The depth of chest thrusts for an infant is very important to ensure they are effective and safe. Pressing too shallow may not help, and pressing too deep can cause injury.
For the correct depth, press the chest to a depth of about one-third the thickness of the infant’s chest from front to back. This is approximately 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). This depth ensures enough pressure to dislodge an object blocking the airway or stimulate the heart without causing harm.
It is equally important to know what is the correct area of the chest to perform chest thrusts. Place two fingers on the breastbone (sternum), just below the imaginary line connecting the nipples. Avoid pressing on the ribs, as this can cause fractures. Do not press on the bottom tip of the sternum (the xiphoid process), as this can injure internal organs.
Read More: Cardioversion and defibrillation Overview
Steps To Perform Chest Thrusts For An Infant
Performing chest thrusts on an infant requires precision and care. Choking injuries are a significant cause of harm in children, with infants being at the highest risk. According to data, children under five years of age account for 73% of nonfatal choking injuries and 75% of choking fatalities. After knowing when giving chest thrusts to an infant, how deep should you press, here is how to perform chest thrusts safely and effectively:
Assess The Situation
Check if the infant is choking or unresponsive. Look for signs like a weak cry, no airflow, or cyanosis (bluish skin). Lay the infant face-up on a firm, flat surface, such as a table or the floor. Ensure the infant’s head is slightly tilted to open the airway.
Find The Correct Spot
Use your fingers to locate the sternum, just below the line connecting the infant’s nipples. Ensure your fingers are placed in the center of the chest. Avoid placing your fingers too low near the abdomen or on the soft tissues. Pressing on the ribs instead of the sternum can cause fractures and internal injuries.
Apply Chest Thrusts
Knowing where to apply is equally important as when giving chest thrust to an infant to which depth should you press. Place two fingers on the sternum and press downward to a depth of 1.5 inches (4 cm). Release pressure completely after each thrust to allow the chest to return to its normal position. Perform five chest thrusts in quick succession if the infant is choking.
Combine With Back Blows (If Choking)
Alternate five chest thrusts with five back blows. Continue until the object is dislodged or the infant starts breathing. However, if the obstruction remains or the infant becomes unresponsive, call emergency services immediately.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Having the proper knowledge of when giving chest thrusts to an infant to which depth you should press is quite necessary. Mistakes during the procedure can cause harm and reduce its effectiveness. Here are some common mistakes and additional precautions to keep in mind:
Pressing On The Ribs
Always ensure your fingers are placed on the sternum, just below the nipple line. Pressing on the ribs instead of the sternum can result in fractures or injuries to the chest wall. Rib fractures can lead to additional complications, such as damage to the lungs or surrounding tissues, which should be avoided.
Not Allowing The Chest To Rise Fully
After each chest thrust, let the chest return to its original position completely. This allows the heart to refill with blood, ensuring proper circulation and oxygen delivery. Failure to do so reduces the effectiveness of the thrusts and can prevent the desired response, such as clearing the airway or restarting the heart.
Using Full Palm Or Excessive Force
Infants require gentle, precise movements during chest thrusts. Using the full palm or applying too much pressure can cause severe injuries, including fractures or internal organ damage. Always use two fingers and press with controlled force to avoid harming the infant’s fragile bones and soft tissues while achieving effective results.
Incorrect Depth
After understanding when giving chest thrusts, where on the choking infant’s chest should the responder give thrusts, maintaining the correct depth of 1.5 inches (4 cm) is mandatory. Pressing too shallow may not generate enough force to clear an obstruction while pressing too deep can cause serious internal injuries. Always measure the depth carefully to ensure the thrusts are both effective and safe for the infant during an emergency.
Wrong Finger Placement
Finger placement is one of the most important factors in ensuring safe chest thrusts. Placing fingers too low, near the abdomen, or on soft tissues can damage internal organs like the liver.
Avoid pressing on the xiphoid process, the lower tip of the sternum, as it can break easily. Ensure your fingers remain on the sternum at all times.
Delaying Emergency Help
Even if you know when giving a chest thrust to an infant which depth you should press, do not forget to call for emergency medical help immediately if the infant does not respond.
Timely professional assistance can save the infant’s life. Continue chest thrusts and back blows as instructed while waiting for emergency services to ensure the infant receives adequate care.
Read More: Learn Essential First Aid For Emergencies
Saving Lives With Chest Thrusts To An Infant
Knowing the correct depth for chest thrusts to an infant is necessary for safe and effective emergency care. Press to a depth of 1.5 inches (4 cm) on the sternum using two fingers. Avoid pressing too shallow or too deep to prevent harm. Proper training, awareness, and swift action can make a life-saving difference. Always stay calm and follow the recommended steps to give the infant the best chance of recovery.
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