Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy
According to the 2020 AHA guidelines, Do no Delay providing chest compressions for a pregnant woman in cardiac arrest. High-quality CPR can increase the mother’s and the infant’s chance of survival.If you do not perform CPR on a pregnant woman when needed, the lives of both mother and infant are at risk. Perform high-quality CPR for a pregnant woman in the same way as anyone else. Use and AED for a pregnant woman in cardiac arrest. If the woman begins to move, speak, blink, or otherwise react, stop CPR and roll her onto her left side.
Infant Compressions
A single rescuer may now use 2 thumbs or the heel of 1 hand for infant compressions 2020 (New): for infants, single rescuers (whether lay rescuers or healthcare providers) should compr
ess the sternum with 2 fingers or 2 thumbs placed just below the nipple line (mammary line). 2020 (New): For infants, if the rescuer is unable to achieve guideline-recommended depths (at least one third the diameter of the chest), it may be reasonable to use the heel of one hand. Why: Systematic reviews suggest that the 2-thumb – encircling hands technique may improve CPR quality when compared with 2-fingers compressions, particularly for depth. However, there are limited data comparing the various hand positions.
Changes to the Pediatric Assisted Ventilation rate
2020 (Updated) Rescue Breathing; For infants and children with a pulse but are absent or inadequate respiratory effort, it is reasonable to give 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds or 20 to 30 breaths/min.
Ventilation Rate During CPR with an Advanced Airway, 2020 (Updated):When performing CPR in infants and children with an advanced airway, it may be reasonable to target a respiratory rate range of 1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds. (20 to 30 breaths /min), accounting for age and clinical condition. Rates exceeding these recommendations may compromise hemodynamics.