What is the appropriate depth for chest compressions on an infant?

The appropriate depth for chest compressions on an infant is 1.5 inches. This depth ensures that compressions are effective in generating blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When performing CPR on an infant, the goal is to compress the chest about one-third of the depth of the chest, which typically corresponds to approximately 1.5 inches. This depth is significant because it helps to create enough pressure to circulate blood adequately while minimizing the risk of injury to the infant's fragile ribcage and internal organs.

Keeping the compression depth at 1.5 inches also aligns with the recommended guidelines from organizations such as the American Heart Association, which emphasizes the importance of proper technique in delivering effective CPR. It's essential for rescuers to be familiar with the correct depth to ensure their efforts are as productive as possible in such critical situations.