The safety of children is almost 100% dependent on adults. Most accidents involving children happen in the presence of their parents or guardians. At the same time, half of adult people in Poland admit that they cannot help a person in a life-threatening condition. Due to the natural emotions associated with saving a young life, the burden of responsibility for the correct response increases significantly. Every adult should have the knowledge that will allow him to act effectively in situations related to providing emergency assistance to children.
Do we know how to save a child?
Children getting to know the world are exposed to all sorts of events. Some of them end up with scratches on the hands or feet, others – require medical attention. In each of these situations, it is important that the child gets the right help in the shortest time possible. In the event of severe damage and when life is at stake, every minute counts.
– You can save someone’s life for four minutes. These are the first minutes of cardiac arrest, during which irreversible changes may occur in the brain tissue most exposed to the effects of hypoxia. If, while waiting for the called ambulance, during these four minutes we do nothing to help the victim – we will harm him more than by doing anything – says Mirosław Dubielecki from the Medicover Rescue Academy.
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs much less frequently in children than in adults. Choking is common among children, as well as other childhood conditions and injuries.
– The main recommendations for dealing with life-threatening situations have been formulated by the two largest organizations: the American Heart Association / AHA and the European Resuscitation Council / ERC – explains Mirosław Dubielecki.
The set of rescue operations performed from the moment of an accident or sudden illness until the casualty is released from the hospital is called the chain of survival.
Chain of Survival:
* Prophylaxis
* Early CPR
* Emergency call
* Effective Advanced Life Support
* Integrated post-resuscitation care
The most important element of the chain of survival is the person who first recognizes the life-threatening condition and starts the system, initiating resuscitation activities and transmitting information to the emergency services. An accidental witness of an incident always has a chance to save a life, or at least give the victim the opportunity to obtain professional medical help. The first person in the chain can support the vital functions of the casualty and provide the necessary time for the Medical Rescue Team to reach the scene. These preliminary steps are necessary to prevent irreversible changes in the brain. In the case of children, the parent is usually the first person.
There are a few specific points to keep in mind when saving children. These include the small size and weight of the child’s body, the physiological immaturity of organs and systems, and an anatomical structure different from that of adults. It is also very important that the child does not lose touch with the parent, explain what is being done and why, and use equipment that is suitable for the children.
– During first aid training to children, we teach how to recognize the child’s condition and, depending on it, deal with a specific situation, says Mirosław Dubielecki. – We provide knowledge on how to deal with an unconscious or choked child. We show how to conduct resuscitation of a child at different ages. How to respond to hypoxia, seizures and injuries. We also talk a lot about prevention, thanks to which you can avoid many tragic experiences.
First aid courses for children are organized by the Medicover Rescue Academy. Such training takes several hours and the knowledge stays on for a long time. The courses are available to all interested parties, not only Medicover patients.