Basic First Aid
Children
Checking an Injured or Ill Child or Infant
When you think a child or infant may be ill or injured, you should use disposable gloves and obtain consent from a parent or guardian (if present). First, check for responsiveness. In Children, tap the shoulder and shout 'are you okay?' and in infants, flick the bottom of the foot. Second, if there is no response, call 9-1-1 or another local emergency number. Third, open the airway by tilting the head back slightly. Fourth, quickly check for breathing. Fifth, if no breathing, give 2 rescue breaths. Sixth, quickly scan for severe bleeding.
Conscious Choking Child
If there is a child that is still conscious but cannot cough, speak or breathe, kneel or stand behind them and follow these steps. First, give five back blows. Second, Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Third, continue steps one and two until the object they are choking on is expelled, they can cough forcefully or breathe, or they become unconscious. If the child becomes unconscious, call 9-1-1.
Controlling External Bleeding
If there is a child or infant bleeding externally, follow these steps. First, cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Second, apply direct pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops. Third, check for circulation beyond the injury and cover the dressing with a bandage. Fourth, apply more pressure and call 9-1-1 if the bleeding does not stop.
Treating Burns
If you have a child or infant with a burn, follow these steps. First, remove from the source of the burn. Second, cool the burn with cold running water at least until the pain is mostly relieved. Third, cover the burn loosely with sterile dressing. Fourth, call 9-1-1 if the burn is severe or other life-threatening conditions are found. Fifth, care for the shock the child will be in.
Poisoning
If a child or infant is poisoned, first, call 9-1-1 or poison control hotline with the conditions are or appear to potentially be life threatening or if unconscious, call the national poison. Second, provide care based on conditions.