Children are curious a lot more than their elders. They want to explore and find out everything they see. In this quest, they often hurt themselves. This is the reason; children are more prone to injuries and health emergencies as compared to adults. That is why; we cannot ignore the importance of paediatric first-aid training in our daily lives.
Basic knowledge about pediatric first aid is important for the well-being of children and infants. Whenever someone gets hurt or is ill, it is important that he gets immediate help. This is also the main objective of paediatric first aid training. Preservation of life and making sure that the victim remains safe is also the main aim of paediatric first aid training. This article is designed to provide you with guidance about what is paediatric first aid and how it works.
Paediatric First Aid
The first help that a sick or injured person gets in case of an emergency is called first aid. The basic purpose of first aid is to tackle the victim until the arrival of professional medical assistance. Similarly, pediatric first aid is a set of skills and knowledge required to help children in case of any health emergency or injury. Pediatric first aid applies to all kids under the age of 16 years.
Where Paediatric First Aid is Applicable?
Many organizations now have a basic set of rules regarding the safety of their employees and customers. First aid is also a part of this set of basic safety rules. Every business has its own definition and method of risk assessment and they take action accordingly.
Many companies have now made clear that employees should be aware of basic first aid at the workplace. This ensures the safety of employees and customers. Similarly, businesses related to children have also made rules about having paediatric first aid training in Norwich. Some of the areas where employees should have pediatric first aid training are given below.
- After School Workers
- Sports Club Staff
- Babysitters
- School, Pre-School Staff
- Kindergarten Staff
- Play Areas Staff
Apart from the above-mentioned businesses, we assert that parents should also be trained in paediatric first aid.
Difference between Paediatric and Normal First Aid
The course available for normal first aid resembles paediatric first aid in many aspects. The difference lies at the point when the time comes for implementation. First aid applied in different emergencies makes it different.
Another difference is in the amount of significance of each type of content. For example, in both courses, allergies and choking will be covered but children are more prone to allergies and choking hazards. That is why; it will be given more importance in paediatric first aid training.
Paediatric first aid training also includes immediate help for meningitis and what if something has been swallowed. We do not study these in normal first-aid training.
Paediatric Primary Survey (DRABC)
A primary survey is known as the preliminary evaluation and handling of a patient going through some trauma. It is a fast method to find out and treat situations that could be life-threatening as well.
DRABC is an acronym that is used to tell the order in which the primary survey should be performed.
1- D stands for DANGER: this tells that first you have to assess danger. You should make sure that the victim, bystanders and you as well are safe from any kind of danger that can happen at the place of the accident.
2- R stands for RESPONSE: this means that you have to check the response of the victim first. You can ask them loudly if they are fine or you can shake their shoulders to get a response. If the victim is a baby, you can tap the sole of the foot to see if the baby responds or not. If there is no response, this means they are in an unresponsive state.
3- A stands for AIRWAY: in the next step, you have to check the airway of the victim. If the airway is blocked, it could be life-threatening. If the child is unresponsive, you have to place your hand on the forehead, tilt the head slightly backwards and keep the chin up with another hand. Check if the airway is clear or not.
4- B stands for BREATHING: in this step, you have to check for any breathing problems or difficulties. You have only 10 seconds to check whether the victim is breathing properly or not. If not, then start CPR immediately. You cannot waste any time in case of improper breathing issues.
5– C stands for CIRCULATION: you have to identify any blood circulation problems that could also be life-threatening. With this step, the primary survey is complete. If the child is still unresponsive, start CPR immediately.
Importance of CPR in Paediatric First Aid
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In order to understand the importance of CPR, it is important first to understand how it works. Every human needs a constant supply of oxygen. If this supply disturbs, then the brain cells start to die within 3 to 4 minutes. The CPR procedure makes sure that the blood receives a constant supply of oxygen. Therefore, the main objective of performing CPR is to increase the chances of survival.
In CPR, rescue breathing and chest compression techniques are performed in order to save a life. Paediatric CPR is different from normal CPR as the bones of infants and children are very delicate.
Final Words
Paediatric first aid training is very important for the well-being of our beloved children. Providing first aid at the earliest increases the chances of survival and speedy recovery. It also helps to prevent the worsening of the health condition of the child or infant.
