The correct technique for providing CPR to an infant under 12 months old is:
- Place the infant on their back on a firm surface.
- Use two fingers to give chest compressions on the lower half of the breastbone in the middle of the chest.
- Compress the chest about one-third of its depth (approximately 4 cm).
- Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- After the compressions, give 2 rescue breaths by covering the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth, tilting the head slightly backward to open the airway.
- Blow gently for about 1 second until the chest rises, then watch the chest fall.
- Repeat cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths (30:2) until the infant recovers or professional help arrives.
Ensure to check for any airway obstructions if the chest does not rise during breaths and maintain the cycle continuously with minimal interruption. If rescue breaths cannot be given, continue with chest compressions alone. This technique is widely recommended by health authorities like Royal Life Saving Australia and the Australian Government Health Direct service.
