In the previous article we discussed how to protect babies and children from serious injuries.
However, even if we take all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. In such moments, our reaction is crucial, and it's important to be as prepared as possible.
In this article, we will provide guidelines on what to do and what NOT to do in the most common situations that require first aid. A key recommendation is to remain calm so as not to make the child even more scared. We advise you to carefully watch the videos in this article and sign up for a pediatric first aid training course.
Choking
Babies and children are at a higher risk of choking because they love putting everything in their mouths and don't have much experience with chewing. Keep small objects out of their reach and avoid giving them foods like nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, or hard candy. Even a small peanut can completely block a child's airway.
If the child starts choking and coughing loudly, do not intervene. Don't pat them on the back, as this might worsen the blockage. Let the child cough until they feel better. Most often, children can clear the obstruction by coughing or vomiting.
The situation is far more serious if the child doesn't make any sound. This is when you need to act. The skin may turn bluish or very pale, and the child won't be able to cough, speak, or breathe because the airway is fully blocked.
In such cases, you must act quickly, as permanent brain damage can occur within just 3 minutes without oxygen. Start with up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver). Note that the technique differs between babies and toddlers. Repeat this cycle 3 times, and then call emergency services (112) while continuing to provide aid. If someone else is around, have them call 112.
Attention! Do not turn the child upside down. Do not insert your fingers into the child's throat unless you see the object. This could make things worse.
Watch the video for the complete first aid technique for choking. It's best to learn exactly what to do by attending a first aid training course.
Unconsciousness
Imagine walking into a room and seeing your child lying on the floor as if asleep. They may indeed be sleeping, or they may be unconscious.
First, make sure there is no immediate danger around, such as exposed wires. Then, check on the child. Call their name and gently tap their shoulder. Never shake the child, as this could be fatal if they have a neck injury. Babies should be checked by gently tapping their foot.
If there is no response, ask someone to quickly call 112, while you begin first aid. If you are alone attend to the child for 2 minutes before calling for help.
Check for breathing and pulse. Gently lift the chin upward to tilt the head slightly back. This helps open the airway in case the tongue has blocked it. In an unconscious state, the tongue muscle relaxes and the base of the tongue can potentially block the airway.
Attention! You don't have to put your fingers in the child's mouth or break their teeth. The tongue can't be swallowed - this is just a myth! A slight backward tilt of the head is enough to clear the airway.
For a young child, a slight backward tilt of the head is sufficient, while for a baby, the head should be placed in a neutral position. If the child is breathing following the maneuver, turn them into a stable side position. This position will protect them from potential vomiting and tongue obstruction. Remember that the head should still be slightly tilted backwards.
The situation is critical if the child has no pulse or breathing. In children, this often happens due to choking or drowning. The condition is life-threatening but reversible if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)is performed immediately. The basics of CPR involve rescue breathing and chest compressions. Enroll in a first aid course to learn what to do.
Watch the video below with helpful tips from our partners at FirstAidbg.com, recorded by the parenting platform "1 naum". In the next article we are going to discuss more of the most common emergency conditions—seizures, burns, allergic reactions, fractures, and bleeding.
Sources:
First and CPR. Nurse-family partnership. The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate. MY CHILD – How Can I Keep My Child Healthy? Copyright 2015.
Cover photo by Zhen H from Unsplash
www.activecitizensfund.bg
"This publication was created with the financial support of the Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area. The entire responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the Health and Social Development Foundation and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this publication reflects the official opinion of the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area and the Operator of the Active Citizens Fund Bulgaria."
