FREE DOWNLOADABLE CPR POSTERS WITH THE NEW 2025 GUIDELINES: FREE CPR POSTERS
Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
The BLS Infant CPR Algorithm following AHA 2025 Guidelines provides a structured, evidence-based approach for infant cardiac emergencies. Learn proper chest compression techniques, ventilation strategies, and rescue protocols, including two-rescuer coordination, to ensure timely, high-quality resuscitation and improve survival outcomes in critically ill infants.
Knowing how to perform CPR on an infant is a skill that can save a life. Cardiac arrest in infants, though less common than in adults, requires immediate and specialized action. The Basic Life Support (BLS) Infant CPR Algorithm provides a clear, step-by-step framework for rescuers to follow during these critical moments. This guide will walk you through the official algorithm, ensuring you understand each step and can act with confidence.
Unlike adult CPR, the infant algorithm accounts for the unique physiology of babies (individuals under one year of age, excluding newborns). The most common causes of cardiac arrest in infants are respiratory issues, making prompt rescue breathing and high-quality chest compressions essential. Following these established guidelines significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome.
When faced with an unresponsive infant, it is crucial to act quickly and systematically. The BLS algorithm provides the necessary structure to ensure no critical step is missed.
Before you approach the infant, your first priority is to ensure the environment is safe for both you and the baby. Look for any immediate dangers, such as traffic, fire, or electrical hazards. A rescuer who becomes a victim cannot help anyone. Once you confirm the scene is safe, you can proceed with the assessment.
Gently tap the bottom of the infant’s foot and shout their name or ask loudly, “Are you okay?” Never shake an infant, as this can cause serious injury. While checking for a response, simultaneously scan the infant’s chest for movement to assess their breathing. Look for normal, regular breaths. Irregular gasping, known as agonal breathing, is not considered normal breathing and is a sign of cardiac arrest.
If the infant is unresponsive and not breathing (or only gasping), you must act immediately.
How you call for help depends on whether you are alone or if another person is present.
For an infant, the recommended site to check for a pulse is the brachial artery. This is located on the inside of the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder. Place two fingers on the artery and feel for a pulse for at least 5 seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
High-quality CPR is the cornerstone of the BLS Infant CPR algorithm. It involves a cycle of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
The technique for compressions depends on whether one or two rescuers are present.
Regardless of the technique, follow these guidelines:
After 30 compressions (or 15 if two rescuers are present), it is time to give rescue breaths.
The correct ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths for a single rescuer and 15 compressions to 2 breaths for two rescuers.
As soon as an AED is available, use it. For infants, it is best to use an AED with pediatric pads and an attenuator, which reduces the energy of the shock. If pediatric pads are not available, you can use adult pads, but ensure they do not touch each other. Place one pad on the center of the infant’s chest and the other on the center of their back.
Continue CPR cycles and follow the AED’s prompts until emergency medical services arrive or the infant begins to show signs of life.
Reading about the BLS Infant CPR algorithm is an important first step, but nothing replaces hands-on training. At Safety Training Seminars, we believe that practical skills and expert guidance are what truly prepare you to act confidently in an emergency. Our courses are taught by experienced instructors who ensure you master these life-saving techniques.
We offer official American Heart Association (AHA) certification classes for BLS, CPR, and First Aid at over 70 locations across California. Our blended learning model combines a flexible online course with a brief, in-person skills session, making it convenient to get certified. You’ll practice on state-of-the-art manikins and receive your certification card the same day. Book a class with us today and gain the skills and confidence to save a life.
The BLS Infant CPR Algorithm is a clear, step-by-step lifesaving framework designed to help rescuers respond quickly and effectively during an infant cardiac emergency. At Safety Training Seminars, our infographic visually breaks down each critical decision point, making it easier to understand and recall under pressure. The algorithm begins with ensuring scene safety and checking infant responsiveness, followed by activating emergency response and assessing breathing and pulse. This structured approach reduces hesitation, reinforces proper sequence, and aligns fully with current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support guidelines.
Our infographic explanation highlights how to perform high-quality infant CPR, emphasizing correct compression depth, rate, and hand positioning. Rescuers are guided to deliver chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute using two fingers or the two-thumb encircling technique, depending on whether one or two rescuers are present. The algorithm also explains the importance of minimizing interruptions, providing effective rescue breaths, and recognizing when to transition between single-rescuer and team-based CPR. Visual cues within the infographic reinforce timing, ratios, and technique for faster comprehension.
The BLS Infant CPR Algorithm also integrates critical steps for pulse checks, rescue breathing, and AED use when available, ensuring a complete and compliant response. By presenting these actions in a clean, logical flow, the infographic helps learners build confidence and muscle memory. Safety Training Seminars uses this visual learning approach to improve knowledge retention, exam performance, and real-world readiness. Understanding the infant CPR algorithm is essential for healthcare professionals, childcare providers, and parents who want to be fully prepared to protect infant lives when every second matters.
The BLS infant CPR algorithm is a structured guideline for recognizing cardiac arrest in infants under 1 year and performing age-appropriate chest compressions and rescue breaths. Safety Training Seminars teaches this to improve survival and neurological outcomes in infants.
Signs include unresponsiveness, absent or abnormal breathing, and weak or absent pulse. Prompt recognition allows immediate intervention, which is crucial since infants deteriorate faster than adults.
Infant CPR involves 30 compressions using two fingers at 1.5 inches depth, followed by 2 rescue breaths. The cycle continues until the infant regains circulation or advanced care arrives. Training ensures correct technique to avoid injury.
Call emergency services immediately if the infant is unresponsive and not breathing. If alone, perform CPR for 2 minutes before leaving to call 911. Early activation improves survival chances.
BLS training provides hands-on skills for rescuers to act quickly and correctly. Safety Training Seminars ensures participants can perform high-quality CPR, increasing the likelihood of survival and preventing long-term complications in infants.