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NCIT Celebrates American Heart Month with the American Heart Association

News, Press Releases

NCIT Celebrates American Heart Month with the American Heart Association

February 1, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers Celebrates American Heart Month with the American Heart Association

February 1, 2025 – The National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT) is proud to join our partner, the American Heart Association (AHA), in recognizing American Heart Month this February. This year, AHA is emphasizing the importance of CPR training for parents and caregivers, ensuring they are prepared to act in emergencies involving infants and children.

Every parent should be ready—ready when they bring their baby home, ready as their child grows, and ready when it matters most. Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives, and AHA is committed to equipping families with the knowledge and confidence to respond in critical moments.

Tips For Parents and Caregivers

  1. Check for Responsiveness – Gently tap the infant or toddler and shout to check for responsiveness. If unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
  2. Provide Chest Compressions – For infants (under 1 year), use two fingers in the center of the chest; for toddlers, use one or two hands. Perform compressions at a depth of about 1.5 inches for infants and 2 inches for toddlers at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  3. Give Rescue Breaths – After 30 compressions, give two gentle breaths by covering the infant’s nose and mouth or pinching the toddler’s nose and breathing into the mouth. Ensure the chest rises with each breath.
  4. Continue CPR – Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths until emergency help arrives or the child shows signs of life.
  5. Use an AED if Available – If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, follow the device’s instructions, using pediatric settings or pads if available.

To support this effort, AHA has created an American Heart Month External Toolkit, which provides valuable resources for spreading awareness. Access the toolkit here: AHA American Heart Month Toolkit.

This American Heart Month, we encourage families, caregivers, and communities to take action and learn CPR. Together, we can build a Nation of Lifesavers and ensure that every child has the best chance for a healthy future.

For more information, visit www.heart.org.

 

Contact:
Joshua Harris
Joshua.Harris@heart.org

 

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