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Child & Teen Health Archive
Articles
Emergencies and First Aid - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
When you are alone and have to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), your primary effort should be compressing the chest to help the person's heart pump blood. If there is a second person helping, providing breaths can be done at the same time as compressions are performed.
The brief review of CPR on the following pages can help you in an emergency; however, this information should not take the place of a certified course in CPR.
Emergencies and First Aid - Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
Mouth-to-Mouth-and-Nose Resuscitation on a Child Under Age 8 or on an Infant
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Place the child on a hard, flat surface.
Look into the mouth and throat to ensure that the airway is clear. If an object is present, try to sweep it out with your fingers. If unsuccessful and the object is blocking the airway, apply the Heimlich maneuver. If vomiting occurs, turn the child onto his or her side and sweep out the mouth with two fingers.
Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway.
Place your mouth tightly over the nose and mouth. Blow two quick, shallow breaths (smaller breaths than you would give to an adult). Watch for the chest to rise.
Remove your mouth. Look for the chest to fall as the child exhales.
Listen for the sounds of breathing. Feel for the childÂ’'s breath on your cheek. If breathing does not start on its own, repeat the procedure.
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation on a Child Age 8 or Older or on an Adult
1. Make sure the person is lying on a hard, flat surface. Look into the mouth and throat to ensure that the airway is clear. If an object is present, try to sweep it out with your fingers (wear disposable surgical gloves if they are available). Apply the Heimlich maneuver if unsuccessful and the object is blocking the airway. If vomiting occurs, turn the person on his or her side and sweep out the mouth with two fingers. Do not place your finger in the mouth if the person is rigid or is having a seizure. | 2. Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway. Put upward pressure on the jaw to pull it forward. |
3. Pinch the nostrils closed with thumb and index finger. Place your mouth tightly over the personÂ’'s mouth. Use a mouthpiece if one is available. Blow two quick breaths and watch for the personÂ’'s chest to rise. | 4. Release the nostrils. Look for the personÂ’'s chest to fall as he or she exhales. Listen for the sounds of breathing. Feel for the person'Â’s breath on your cheek. If the person does not start breathing on his or her own, repeat the procedure. |
Emergencies and First Aid - Medical Identification Tags
Medical Identification Tags
A person with a serious medical condition such as diabetes, a drug allergy, or a heart condition should carry information about the condition on a necklace or bracelet, or on a card that can be carried in a pocket or wallet, so that proper care can be given in an emergency.
Be sure to check for a medallion or card if you find yourself in the role of rescuer. If you or a member of your family has a life-threatening medical condition, obtain a medical identification tag or medallion from your local pharmacy and wear it at all times.
Emergencies and First Aid - Emergency Phone Numbers
Emergency Phone Numbers
Write down important telephone numbers and post them where you can refer to them easily, such as near your telephone or on your refrigerator. List the serious medical conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) of each family member on the back of the list. Teach your children how to call 911 and tell them to show the list to emergency medical personnel.
The list should include the phone numbers of the police, the nearest fire department, ambulance services, a poison control center, and your doctors and the contact numbers for work, other locations, and a nearby relative or friend. You may also wish to include the phone numbers of the gas and electric companies, your childrenÂ’s schools, the local pharmacy, or home health aides.
Emergencies and First Aid - How to Make a Sling
How to Make a Sling
1. To make a sling, cut a piece of cloth, such as a pillowcase, about 40 inches square. Then cut or fold the square diagonally to make a triangle. Slip one end of the bandage under the arm and over the shoulder. Bring the other end of the bandage over the other shoulder, cradling the arm. | 2. Tie the ends of the bandage behind the neck. Fasten the edge of the bandage, near the elbow, with a safety pin. |
Collar and Cuff Sling |
Use a collar and cuff sling for a suspected fracture of the collarbone or elbow when a triangular sling is not available. Wrap a strip of sheet, a pants leg, or pantyhose around the wrist and tie the ends behind the neck. |
Emergencies and First Aid - How to Splint a Fracture
How to Splint a Fracture
For a lower arm or wrist fracture (left), carefully place a folded newspaper, magazine, or heavy piece of clothing under the arm. Tie it in place with pieces of cloth. A lower leg or ankle fracture (right) can be splinted similarly, with a bulky garment or blanket wrapped and secured around the limb. A person with a hip or pelvis fracture should not be moved. If the person must be moved, the legs should be strapped together (with a towel or blanket in between them) and the person gently placed on a board, as for a back injury. | |
Emergencies and First Aid - Heimlich Maneuver on an Adult
Heimlich Maneuver on an Adult
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Emergencies and First Aid - Heimlich Maneuver on a Child
Heimlich Maneuver on a Child
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Emergencies and First Aid - Heimlich Maneuver on an Infant
Heimlich Maneuver on an Infant
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Emergencies and First Aid - Bleeding
Bleeding
While a minor cut will eventually stop bleeding, a severe injury may require elevation and direct pressure on the wound. The goals of first-aid treatment are to control bleeding and prevent infection. If disposable surgical gloves are readily available, use them.
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Direct Pressure for Bleeding and Pressure Points for Bleeding
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Trying to lose weight? Be careful not to lose muscle
Is your skin problem actually an autoimmune condition?
People with diabetes face higher risk of hearing loss
Antibiotic-free fixes for recurrent UTIs
Musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause: When menopause makes you ache all over
When can older women stop getting mammograms?
To lose weight, especially harmful belly fat, combine diet and exercise
Can men hold off on treating recurring prostate cancer?
The 7 types of rest and why we need them all
What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?
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