First Aid for Children
Elena Arnold
Children are smaller than adults so it's important to use different methods in order to avoid harming the child. Should the child's parent/guardian be present obtain consent from them before giving first aid.
Checking for Responsiveness
The first step is to ascertain whether the child is conscious.
- tap the child's shoulder and shout, "Are you OK?"
- if it is an infant, you may flick the bottom of the foot
Ask for Help and Call 9-1-1
If the person is not conscious ask nearby people to call 911.
- if you are alone give 2 minutes of care before calling
Check for Breathing
Open the person's airway and check for breathing.
- tilt the head back slightly and lift chin
- check no more than 10 seconds
- gasping is not normal breathing
Determine the Next Step
Different Situations
Some possible emergencies are:
- conscious/unconscious choking
- no breathing
- external bleeding
- burns
- poisoning