Pediatric First Aid - Basic Care and Treatment for Common Injuries

Introduction:

Children are more prone to injuries in their developing years as they are curious by nature. They are desirous of exploring things and figuring everything out by themselves. Therefore, a basic knowledge of pediatric first aid for the child's and the infant's welfare is pivotal. When a child is injured, providing immediate medical aid or treatment to the child is of the utmost importance. The basic concept of pediatric first aid depends on this fundamental thing.

What Is Pediatric First Aid?

Pediatric first aid refers to the practical knowledge and ability required to help a sick child below 17 years of age until complete medical treatment is given. Proper medical aid and effective measures should be available to provide efficient pediatric first aid if there is a place where children are involved.

What Should Be the Aim of Pediatric First Aid?

Pediatric first aid focuses on life preservation and preventing the disease from progressing into a fatal condition. The aims of a first pediatric aid provider include the 3 Ps:

• Preservation of life.

• Preventing the condition from worsening.

• Promoting full recovery soon.

How to Perform the Pediatric Primary Survey?

The primary survey should be performed to assess the pediatric patient's condition. It helps to treat the fatal conditions first.

• Life in Danger: It should be ensured that the casualty and the attendees are not in danger.

• Responsiveness: It is crucial to check the state of the pediatric patient. Efforts should be made to help them regain their consciousness. They need to respond to their surroundings.

• Airway Patency: It is of utmost importance to maintain the patency of the airways. Life-threatening airway problems should be identified immediately and treated accordingly. In the case of the unconscious state of the child, the aider's hand should be placed on the child's forehead, and the head should be tilted back, slightly lifting the chin with the aider's other hand to ensure the patency of the airways. It is essential to open and clear the airways.

• Restoration of Breathing: Identifying and treating fatal breathing situations is essential. It is crucial to feel and look for any signs of breathing for not more than 10 to 12 seconds. If the child remains unconscious and is not breathing normally, performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is mandatory.

• Assess Circulation Problems: Any life-threatening circulatory problems should be identified and treated immediately. When this situation has been ruled out, the primary assessment of the pediatric patient is complete. If the child still does not respond, CPR should be given immediately.

What Is CPR and Why It is Important?

The complete form of CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency technique consisting of chest compressions, usually combined with artificial breathing. This procedure is done to preserve brain function. The breastbone is compressed and pushed down four to five centimeters, about one-third of the child's chest diameter. The pressure is then released. Then the compressions are rapidly repeated at a compression rate of 100 to 125 per minute. After approximately 30 compressions, the head is tilted, and the chin is lifted to give two effective rescue breaths.

It is pivotal to perform CPR to ensure a constant supply of oxygen for the survival of the pediatric patient. The brain should function properly, and if the brain cells begin to perish within four to five minutes due to lack of oxygen. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize ensuring oxygen to the brain cells through blood circulation. If the child is not breathing properly, the brain cells will begin to starve. It is important to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation for continuous oxygen supply to the central nervous system.

What Is the First Aid Guide for Common Injuries In Pediatric Patients?

• Bites, Allergies, or Sting: In case of an animal bite, wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and water. The child may immediately require tetanus or rabies vaccination.

• The sting should be removed immediately with a scraping motion using the edge of a key or credit card. The affected area should be treated with cold compresses. In case of severe allergy that involves breathing problems, or swelling of the face, the patient must be hospitalized immediately. Allergic medicine can be given immediately if the medicine is at home.

• High Fever: If the child has a high fever, consult a pediatrician immediately. Meanwhile, try to make the child more comfortable. Keep the child calm. Make them wear loose clothes, and apply cold compresses on the neck and forehead.

• Bruises, Cuts, and Bleeding: Cool compresses should be applied in case of bruises, and pain medication can be given to reduce the pain. In the case of cuts, pressure techniques should be applied to stop the blood, and the cut should be cleaned thoroughly. The cut should be rinsed underwater. If it is not a deep cut, an antibiotic ointment must be applied, and the cut should be covered with a bandage. In case of bleeding, a pressure pack technique should be applied. Pressure should be applied with gauze for one to two minutes, then packing the wound with an elastic bandage. Emergency care should be called at once.

• Fractures: If the affected area is swollen and painful, it should be covered in a soft towel, and a splint should be prepared with a firm material to hold the affected area in place. Ice can be applied over that area wrapped in a cloth but no more than 15 to 20 minutes. The leg or arm should not be forced to straighten up.

• Eye Injuries: The eye should be washed with water if a foreign body is suspected inside the eye. No medicine should be applied to the eye, and the child should be prevented from rubbing the eye. The doctor should be consulted immediately.

• Burn Incidents: The child should be removed from contact with hot water or objects. Ice should not be applied. Instead, cool water should be poured over the burnt area. The child should be taken to emergency care.

• Poisons: If the child has accidentally ingested any poison, efforts should be made to induce the child to vomit immediately, and then should be taken to the hospital immediately.

Conclusion:

Parents, child caregivers, and places where the children are involved should be well-versed with primary pediatric first-aid care and treatment for common injuries. One should know how to help the child in such a situation. The child should not be moved if there is a back or neck injury. The child should be asked to wear protective equipment when needed. In unconsciousness, efforts should be made to maintain the patency of the airways.