ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

When we think about administering CPR, we probably visualize coming to the aid of an older person, or, at the very least, an adult. Today's Good Samaritan story shows the value of knowing infant CPR, which can make all the difference in the world.

MEDIC First Aid instructor Hal Collins, Senior Training Representative at Oncor Electric Delivery in Texas, shared a story about Senior Equipment Mechanic Frank Orona, who revived a child on a hot day in August of last year.

The baby had been left in a car in the parking lot of a department store. Several patrons saw the child in the car and asked that the store contact 911. Frank, who was there shopping with his wife, directed them to break into the car to retrieve the child. When they were reluctant to do so, Frank headed out to the lot.

He saw the red-faced child inside the vehicle and rapped several times on the window but got no response. He discovered one of the doors was unlocked and got into the backseat with the baby, who remained unresponsive.

He administered CPR and, after a few cycles, the baby began to cry. Frank took the child into the air-conditioned store. Just then, the mother appeared. She took the baby and attempted to leave. Seconds later, the police pulled into the lot and Frank indicated which car was the mother's. The police stopped her and placed her under arrest. The baby was taken by ambulance to Children's Medical Center of Dallas.

At a ceremony honoring Frank Orona, Oncor's CEO Jim Greer said, "It’s obvious that this child had a guardian angel and Frank was there at the right time. It was mere seconds that no doubt made a difference between life and death. Frank represents the best in all of us and we’re very proud of him.”

Frank thanks his workplace emergency care training for giving him the confidence to respond. “I appreciate everything that the company has taught me about safety. We have one of the best training courses around, and it sticks with you," he said.

How to Perform CPR for Infants

Assess the infant. If safe, tap the baby's foot and shout loudly. If no response, have someone alert EMS and get an AED.

Place the infant on a firm surface. Look quickly at the infant's face and chest for normal breathing. If absent, begin chest compressions:

• Place two fingertips on the breastbone just below the nipple line.
• Push hard, at least 1⁄3 the depth of chest, or about 1.5 inches.
• Push fast, at least 100 times per minute. Allow the chest to fully rebound.

Give two rescue breaths:

• Tilt head and lift chin to establish airway. Be careful not to overextend, which can close the airway.
• Seal your mouth around the infant’s mouth and nose and blow.
• Make the chest visibly rise with each breath, but no more.
• Take a fresh breath between breaths.

Provide continuous cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

If an AED becomes available, turn it on immediately and follow the AED’s voice instructions.

Continue until another provider or EMS personnel takes over, the infant shows signs of life, or you are too tired to continue.

If you came across a medical emergency, would you know how to respond? Make 2017 the year you take that CPR, AED, and first aid class. You can find an ASHI or MEDIC First Aid Training Center near you by clicking the button below.