Modified First Aid Techniques for Pediatric Emergencies

Standard first aid techniques require significant modifications for children. These adaptations can mean the difference between helping and harming.

Pediatric CPR Modifications:

Infant CPR (Under 1 Year):

1. Check Responsiveness: Tap foot, never shake 2. Position: On firm, flat surface 3. Open Airway: Gentle head tilt (neutral position) 4. Check Breathing: Look, listen, feel for 10 seconds 5. Compressions: - Two fingers just below nipple line - Compress 1.5 inches (1/3 chest depth) - Rate: 100-120/minute - 30 compressions: 2 breaths 6. Rescue Breaths: Cover nose and mouth, gentle puffs

Child CPR (1-8 Years):

1. Hand Position: One or two hands center of chest 2. Compression Depth: 2 inches (1/3 chest depth) 3. Same ratio: 30:2 for single rescuer 4. Two rescuer: 15:2 ratio 5. Smaller breaths than adult

Choking Response:

Infant Choking (Under 1 Year):

1. Support head/neck, face down on forearm 2. 5 back blows between shoulder blades 3. Turn face up, support on thigh 4. 5 chest thrusts with 2 fingers 5. Repeat until object expelled 6. Never perform Heimlich on infants

Child Choking (Over 1 Year):

1. Kneel behind child 2. Fist above navel, below breastbone 3. Quick upward thrusts 4. Less force than adults 5. Continue until clear

> Practice This Now: > - Use a doll to practice infant back blows > - Practice finding compression landmarks > - Time 30 compressions (15-18 seconds) > - Practice gentle head positioning > - Rehearse age-appropriate communication

Bleeding Control in Children:

Special Considerations:

- Children have less blood volume - Can't afford to lose much - May not show shock signs early - Crash suddenly when decompensating

Modified Approach:

1. Direct pressure remains primary 2. Pressure points more effective 3. Tourniquets absolutely last resort 4. Position flat with legs elevated 5. Prevent hypothermia aggressively 6. Monitor closely for shock

Fracture Management:

Pediatric Fracture Types:

- Greenstick: Bone bends and partially breaks - Buckle/Torus: Compression injury - Growth plate: Can affect future growth - More flexible bones - Heal faster than adults

Splinting Modifications:

- Splint in position found - Extra padding needed - Include joint above and below - May need to improvise smaller splints - Comfort items helpful

Burn Treatment:

Why Children Are Higher Risk:

- Thinner skin = deeper burns - Larger body surface percentage - Hypothermia risk higher - Fluid loss more critical - Scarring affects growth

Modified Rule of Nines (Infants):

- Head: 18% - Each arm: 9% - Front torso: 18% - Back torso: 18% - Each leg: 14% - Use palm = 1% for estimates