Changes in the guidelines of child CPR and first aid have necessitated a shift in the procedures in the way this technique is carried out. The other reason for this is that the simplification of the procedure makes it easy to remember. This practical guide makes it possible for individuals interested in pediatric care to offer the best care possible. Below is a handy guide to follow when you need to administer child CPR:
– Before you start the CPR techniques, ensure that you check whether there is need for chest compressions. In previous times, pulse palpitations were used to determine when to start chest compressions. This is, however, a misguided approach since this is not a reliable indication for the same. In place of this, health care providers and first aiders are advised to look out for the basic signs of life. Such signs include response to external stimuli, normal breathing (that which is not labored) as well as movement. If there are no signs of life, CPR must be administered.
– The choice to begin CPR must be done in less than 10 seconds from the moment the child’s circulatory system is studied. If there is still some doubt as to whether child CPR ought to be carried out, it probably should be started at that very moment.
– There are specific ways in which you ought to carry out CPR. it is important. It is important to make compressions using the ratios provided. These ratios are availed to help ensure that the first aider creates ventilation pathways for the patient. If this is not possible, or for whatever reason the first aider is unable to do this, it is recommended that they offer what is known as compression-only CPR, also referred to as hands-only CPR. The truth is that there is likely to be more internal damage if nothing is done.
– The compressions:ventilation (abbreviated CV) rate for a newborn is 3:1, that means 3 chest compressions and 1 ventilation rescue attempt. It is still uncertain, however, what the ideal CV ratio for neonates outside of a hospital setting is. Many professionals are of the opinion that this ought to be used in pretty much the same way.
– What about the quality of the compressions in child CPR? For a long time, the rule has been to compress the chest about a third way in. while it is very rare to come across physical damage arising from CPR, it is rather obvious that one ought to compress sufficiently hard to ensure proper blood circulation in the child.
– What about the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) when administering child CPR? It is not typical for children below the age of 1 to get irregular heart rhythm, and consequently, the focus for this form of CPR ought to revolve around provision of quality CPR. In cases where an AED must be used, it is advisable to get one that comes along with an atteuator.
Child CPR has come a long way indeed.