Unconscious but breathing - infants
Introduction
If an infant does not respond to the sound of your voice or to
gentle pressure, it is likely they are unconscious.
In this context, 'infant' refers to a child less than one
year old.
Recogntion and treatment
Look for
- To confirm if the infant is unconscious
and not breathing complete the steps of
the primary survey - Danger, Response,
Airway, Breathing (DRAB).
Check for danger
- Are you or they in any danger?
- If you have not already done so make the area safe and then
assess them.
Check for a response
- Tap or flick the sole of an infant's foot to try to elicit a
response
- Do not shake an infant
- If they respond check for severe bleeding and other
injuries
- Shout for help.
Open the airway
- Open the airway, placing one hand on the forehead and
using one finger to lift the chin.
Check breathing
- Position your cheek close to their mouth
- Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
- look to see if the chest is rising and falling
- listen for breathing
- feel the breath against your cheek
- If they are not breathing refer to the treatment for
someone unconscious and not breathing -
infants.
Put them in the recovery position
- Cradle the infant in your arms, with his head tilted downwards
to prevent him from choking on his tongue or inhaling vomit
- Monitor and record their level of response, pulse and breathing
until medical help arrives.
Call for help
- Call 999/112 for emergency help.
More information about unconscious and breathing
infants
If you suspect spinal injury, use the jaw thrust technique.
Place your hands on either side of their face. With your fingertips
gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt their
neck.
Agonal breathing
This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac
arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for
breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is
present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called
cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started
without hesitation.
Related topics
Next steps
Take a first aid course
The advice provided in this section is no substitute for proper
first aid training.
St John Ambulance holds first aid courses throughout the
country. The following courses cover this topic:
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