Final answer:
A lone rescuer should begin cycles of CPR on an infant by correctly positioning the hands and performing chest compressions between T4 and T9 vertebrae. Proper training in CPR techniques is vital to perform effective chest compressions and to avoid potentially fatal injuries. Speedy and high-quality CPR can save lives, especially in time-sensitive situations like drowning.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a lone rescuer after positioning an infant for CPR, you should begin cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths. The technique is used to maintain the flow of blood through the body until the heart can resume beating on its own. When applying pressure on the sternum to perform CPR, hands should be positioned between the lines at T4 and T9 vertebrae for proper technique. The goal of CPR is to manually compress the heart, pushing blood into the pulmonary and systemic circuits, providing vital blood flow to organs, especially the brain, to prevent irreversible damage.
Correct training in CPR is crucial due to risks such as broken ribs, broken sternums, or driving the xiphoid process into the liver, which can be fatal. Therefore, certification and recertification in CPR technique are valuable not only for medical personnel but also the general public. It is recommended to perform chest compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, syncing to the beat of the song "Staying Alive" to ensure correct tempo. High-quality chest compressions are emphasized over artificial respiration in current CPR standards.
Importantly, CPR is most effective when started promptly, and it can be instrumental in saving lives in various situations, including drowning, where even a person unconscious in water can recover if CPR is administered swiftly after rescue. As such, it's essential for rescuers to attempt resuscitation even after extended periods, especially in cases of cold water immersion where survival chances are higher.