What method is critical for assessing an infant's need for CPR?

The critical method for assessing an infant's need for CPR is checking their breathing. This is because a primary indicator of cardiac arrest or respiratory distress in an infant is the absence of normal breathing. If an infant is not breathing or breathing abnormally, it signals that immediate intervention is necessary, which can include initiating CPR.

Checking breathing involves observing the infant's chest for signs of rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow from the infant's mouth or nose. If an infant is unresponsive and not breathing, this is a clear indication to start CPR, as their ability to circulate oxygen to vital organs is compromised. Thus, ensuring that breathing is present is a crucial step in determining whether CPR is required.

Other methods, such as assessing pulse or color, can provide additional information about the infant's condition but are not as immediate or definitive in signaling the need for CPR. For example, a pulse can be checked, but it may not be as effective in quickly determining the need for resuscitation since an infant can have a pulse even while not breathing. Knowing how to assess breathing efficiently is vital for effectively responding to a life-threatening situation in infants.