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Warning-sign checks

CPR - infant: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    An unresponsive infant who is not breathing normally needs emergency help, not a routine appointment.

    Call the local emergency number immediately and begin CPR.

    After hospital discharge, seek emergency help for:

    • Unresponsiveness, collapse, or a seizure
    • Stopped, gasping, or severely difficult breathing
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • A sudden major change in alertness
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous

The article also says

For non-emergency concerns, contact the infant’s healthcare team as directed.

Examples include ongoing chest tenderness, feeding difficulty, sleep changes, or questions about returning to normal activities.

Caregivers may also feel distressed, guilty, or unable to sleep after performing CPR.

These reactions can follow a frightening event.

Contact your healthcare team for support if they continue or interfere with daily life.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on CPR - infant. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.