Final answer:
CPR should be administered to children and infants for an unwitnessed collapse or if they are unresponsive with no pulse and no breathing. CPR is crucial within the first few minutes to prevent brain damage. For choking, start CPR if the victim becomes unresponsive after attempting the Heimlich maneuver.
Step-by-step explanation:
In both children and infants, two minutes of CPR should be given if the situation involves an unwitnessed collapse or they are unresponsive victims with no pulse and no breathing. Immediate action can be crucial, as brain death is likely after about six minutes without oxygen. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered carefully to ensure high-quality chest compressions, maintaining a rate of 100 compressions per minute, which is critical for maintaining some blood flow, particularly to the brain.
If a choking incident is witnessed, first check if the person can speak or breathe, and if they cannot, proceed with the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the object. If this is unsuccessful and the person becomes unresponsive, then CPR should be initiated. It's vital to understand that CPR on a child or infant with a pulse, but who is breathing, should not be done, as it could cause harm. If the victim has a pulse and is breathing, but is unresponsive, continue to monitor their condition and seek professional medical help immediately.
Also, in the case of drowning, especially with children and in cold water, it is important to remember that even after a protracted period of immersion, there is a chance for recovery if CPR is started promptly once the person is out of the water. Having access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be valuable in instances of cardiac arrest, however, CPR remains the essential first-aid procedure to perform until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of recovery.