Final answer:
During 2 rescuer CPR for an infant, the preferred chest compression technique is the encircling hands technique, delivering compressions at one-third the depth of the infant's chest at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Training is crucial for proper application to avoid injuries and ensure effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing chest compressions during 2 rescuer CPR for an infant, it is essential to use the proper technique. Unlike CPR for adults, infant CPR requires the rescuer to use two fingers (for a single rescuer) or the encircling hands technique (for two rescuers) to deliver compressions. The best practice involves positioning the infant on a firm surface, ensuring that the compressions are delivered on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), not on the xiphoid process to avoid injury. Compressions should be at least one-third the depth of the infant's chest, which is about 4 cm (1.5 inches), and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Correct technique and prompt action are crucial in CPR, particularly when dealing with infants, whose bodies are more fragile. The goal is to manually pump blood through the heart, into the pulmonary and systemic circuits to sustain life until advanced care is available. Proper training is highly recommended to mitigate the risk of injury to the infant and to ensure the effectiveness of the compressions.