Final answer:
CPR should be initiated immediately after an un-witnessed child or infant arrest, once the individual is on stable ground and it has been established that the area is safe. Properly performed CPR can improve survival chances, but it is essential to be trained to avoid additional injuries. Prompt action is crucial, especially in cases involving children and infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an un-witnessed child or infant arrest occurs, CPR should be started immediately after the rescuer ensures the scene is safe and the child is brought to a stable ground, especially after an event such as a drowning. In situations involving water, it is crucial to remove the person from the water as CPR is ineffective while the individual is in the water. Once on solid ground, CPR can significantly improve the chances of survival if the airway was protected during submersion and if CPR is initiated within minutes. Proper technique is essential, with compressions of at least 5 cm deep at a rate of 100 compressions per minute being the current standard.
Proper training is crucial since performing CPR incorrectly can result in additional injuries, including broken ribs or internal damage. Therefore, medical personnel and the public should be encouraged to get certified and recertified in CPR administration, which is commonly available at colleges, hospitals, and through organizations like the American Red Cross. In the case of an arrest, especially with children and infants, it is better to act quickly and provide CPR, since the chances of recovery are higher the sooner it is started after the heart stops beating.