How many thrusts are performed on an infant's sternum during a rescue?

The correct number of thrusts performed on an infant's sternum during a rescue is five. This technique, part of the infant CPR guidelines, is intended to effectively manage choking or respiratory arrest in infants. The five thrusts are aimed at generating enough pressure to expel an object obstructing the airway without causing injury to the fragile structure of an infant's chest.

In this context, the procedure for infants is carefully designed to be gentle yet effective, emphasizing the importance of limited and controlled force. This approach helps to avoid potential harm while aiming to restore or improve airflow.

The specific number—five thrusts—strikes a balance between being enough to potentially clear the obstruction while minimizing risk. Understanding and remembering this guideline is crucial for anyone trained in infant CPR, as the techniques differ from those used on older children and adults due to their anatomical differences and the unique risks associated with infant rescues.