For an infant, where should the two fingers be placed during chest compressions when using a single rescuer?

For an infant, where should the two fingers be placed during chest compressions when using a single rescuer?

• A. On the left side of the chest
• B. On the back, between the shoulder blades
• C. Center of the chest just below the nipple line
• D. Over the sternum near the collarbone

Answer: (C)

For an infant when only one rescuer is performing chest compressions, use two fingers and place them on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. This position targets the lower half of the sternum, where the heart sits, allowing you to compress effectively as you push the heart toward the spine to generate blood flow. The depth should be about one third of the chest depth, roughly 4 cm (1.5 inches), with a steady, rhythmical rate. Placing your fingers on the left side of the chest, on the back between the shoulder blades, or over the sternum near the collarbone would miss the heart or be too high to generate effective chest compressions. The center-lower chest location is the safest and most effective spot for an infant with a single rescuer.

For an infant when only one rescuer is performing chest compressions, use two fingers and place them on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. This position targets the lower half of the sternum, where the heart sits, allowing you to compress effectively as you push the heart toward the spine to generate blood flow. The depth should be about one third of the chest depth, roughly 4 cm (1.5 inches), with a steady, rhythmical rate.

Placing your fingers on the left side of the chest, on the back between the shoulder blades, or over the sternum near the collarbone would miss the heart or be too high to generate effective chest compressions. The center-lower chest location is the safest and most effective spot for an infant with a single rescuer.