The one important fact about children is that they are very curious about situations and surroundings. They keep on searching for new facts about the things around them. Due to this curious nature, kids often get hurt during their naughty ventures.
According to many surveys, kids are more susceptible to injuries and accidents. They tend to have more emergency situations as compared to adults. That is why having knowledge of pediatric first aid training is as important as having knowledge of normal first aid.
If we talk in terms of definition, first aid is the first and foremost care, help, and assistance provided to the sick or injured in case of an emergency. First aid is a necessary knowledge and important to learn as it makes you able to help yourself and others in difficult times.
Pediatric First Aid
The first aid given to kids in case of an emergency health condition or injury is known as pediatric first aid. Pediatric first aid applies to kids under the age of 16 years. Pediatric first aid training is the knowledge that helps to provide assistance to children in case of an emergency. All the institutes where there is a concern related to children should make arrangements for providing first aid.
Where does Pediatric First Aid implement?
Technically, any institutes that can be linked to kids in any way are obligated to have first aid arrangements. Many countries even have rules and regulations for companies to have first-aid-trained staff. This is, therefore, important for businesses to assess the risk and make first aid arrangements accordingly.
Most common places where first aid-trained staff is a must are listed below:
- Schools and pre-schools
- Sports Club
- After-school workers
- Play and Activity centers
- Daycare centers
- Parents of young children and infants
Difference between Pediatric First Aid and Normal First Aid
Pediatric first aid and normal first aid are more or less very similar. The difference between them is seen mostly in the way how they are applied in different emergency situations. For example, resuscitating a child is different as compared to resuscitation an adult. Similarly, in cases of allergies and choking hazards, the cases are dealt with differently in the case of children as compared to adults. Moreover, choking hazards and allergies are more prevailing in kids, therefore; the course of pediatric first aid training in ipswich will focus more on allergies and choking hazards.
Similarly, the course for pediatric first aid will also cover the subject of what happens if a harmful substance is being swallowed because this can mostly only happen to kids, not adults.
Pediatric Primary Survey
A primary survey in any kind of first aid is the initial assessment of the situation and how to manage the situation. The primary survey is done in case of an emergency so that the first aid provider can respond to any life-threatening situation in a fast and effective way.
The correct order in which a first aid primary survey is performed is known as DRABC. It is described below.
D-Danger
The first thing in a primary survey is to assess the danger at the place of the incident. The first aid provider should make sure that there is no further danger for the people present on the spot, the provider himself, and the victim. There are many incidents or emergency situations in which it becomes dangerous for other people to be present on the spot, for example, earthquakes or building collapses.
R-Response
The next step in the first aid primary survey is to check the response of the victim. The response is checked in order to make sure about the condition of the victim. This is to check if the victim is in a responsive state or not. In the case of a baby, you should tap the sole of the foot to check the response.
A-Airway
Next in the primary survey, is the step to check the airway. It is checked if it is clear and nothing is locking the airway and breathing is normal. In the case of an unconscious child, tilt the head backward and chin up, to check if the airway is clear or not.
B- Breathing
In the next step, you have to check for any signs of breathing issues. Notice for at least 10 seconds if the child is breathing properly and easily or not. If the child is unresponsive and not breathing properly then get prepared to perform CPR.
C-Circulation
Next, you have to find out about the issues related to circulation. It is important to make sure that the blood is circulating properly in the body of the child.
Pediatric First Aid Box Essentials
Some items are a must to be in the pediatric first aid box. They are listed below:
- Hypoallergenic Plasters
- Hypoallergenic Tapes
- Face Shields
- Dressing
- Disposable Gloves
- Scissors
- Blanket
- Bandages
- Sterile Water
- Tweezers
- Safety Pins
- Clasps
Sprays, antiseptic wipes, creams, lotions, and tablets should not be a part of a pediatric first aid box. Moreover, the first aid box you carry should have the items approved according to health and safety standards. It has to be placed in a safe, dry, and clean place. Also, make sure that all elements in the first aid box are up-to-date.
Final Words
Pediatric first aid is the most effective if it is provided in the early hours of injury. It helps to increase the success rate of the medical treatment given afterward. First aid provided at the right time increases the chances of fast recovery and prevention of worsening of the condition of the victim. This means first aid or pediatric first aid is precious and important knowledge that everyone should learn in order to help others in case of emergencies. They can also make sure the safety of their own children if they have the appropriate knowledge about how to act in case of emergencies.
