Page 3 Session 3 DRABCD

A=Airways

OPENING THE CHILD'S AIRWAYS

Learning to open the child's/infant's airway using the head and chin tilt method is a life-saving skill. All paediatric first aiders must learn the basics of airway management.

NOTE!

Unconscious means unresponsive but breathing.

This is important terminology and should be remembered throughout this course.

The Head & Chin Tilt

Place the palm of one hand on top of the child's forehead. Place your other hand on the bone of the child's chin and gently tilt the head back.

The Aim of the Head & Chin Tilt

The tongue is a large muscle and will fall to the back of the child's throat, obstructing the airway and causing death. By tilting the head back, we lift the tongue from the back of the child's throat, allowing them to breathe effectively.

A golden rule is never to leave a Child/Infant on their back alone. Should you leave the child, then they must be placed into the recovery position.

Head & Chin Tilt (Infants/Babies)

👶 Infant Head Tilt–Chin Lift (Airway Opening)

✅ Correct Technique

• Palm on the forehead: Place your hand gently on the baby’s forehead.

• One–two fingers on the chin: Position them on the bony part of the chin, not the soft tissue, to avoid injury.

• Gentle tilt: Move the head only halfway back — enough to open the airway but not fully extended.

• Reason: Overstretching can cause the baby’s airway to narrow or collapse, making breathing more difficult.

⚖️ Key Differences from Adults

• Adults: Full head tilt is usually required to open the airway.

• Infants: Only a partial tilt is safe, due to their proportionally larger occiput (back of the head) and softer airway structures.

• Finger placement: Always on the bone of the chin, never under the jaw or throat.

🚑 Why This Matters

• Infants’ airways are smaller and more flexible, so the technique must be adapted.

• Correct positioning ensures effective rescue breaths during CPR.

• Prevents accidental airway obstruction caused by overextension.

Page 4 Session 3 DRABCD

B=Breathing

Checking For Breathing

The next steps are very important

1. Place your ear a few millimetres above the

child's/infant's mouth and nose.

2. Listen for their breathing.

3. Feel the breath on your face and ear.

4. Watch the rise and fall of the chest as they breathe.

Do this for a GOOD 10 Seconds

Breathing

Yes or NO

Agonal Gasp

The agonal gasp is common in the first few moments of cardiac arrest and must not be mistaken as a response or breathing from the child.

The child may be making rasping noises or gulping for air. This is not normal breathing.

Breathing Normal

When the child is breathing normally, you must treat them as an unconscious casualty. The child should be placed in the recovery position, and the Baby/Infant should go with you to

Make the 999/112 call.

By clicking "NEXT", we will look at

a child who is Breathing and

unconscious, this is called.

Unconscious Casualty Management