When performing CPR on an infant, what technique is suggested for chest compressions?

The encircling thumbs technique is recommended for performing chest compressions on infants during CPR due to its effectiveness in providing high-quality compressions while ensuring adequate hand positioning and stability. In this technique, both of the provider's thumbs are placed on the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line, with the fingers encompassing the back of the infant. This method allows for a more controlled and supportive position when delivering compressions, which can be crucial for an infant's smaller chest structure.

Using the thumbs provides a more powerful and effective compression because it utilizes the strength of both thumbs as well as the provider’s body weight to perform compressions, allowing the caregiver to deliver compressions at the appropriate rate and depth while minimizing the risk of injury to the infant.

Alternative techniques such as the heel of one hand or single-hand compressions may not provide the same level of effectiveness in terms of depth and stability when delivering compressions in an infant's small chest. The two-hand thrust technique is typically used for abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) rather than chest compressions during CPR. Therefore, using the encircling thumbs technique is the most appropriate choice for infant CPR as per established guidelines.