It is uncommon for kids to become sick with a serious illness without any warning. It is always important to seek medical advice depending on the symptoms your child is showing. CPR certification online can also help you with early recognition of symptoms, which can go a long way in preventing serious conditions.
The Definition of an Emergency
The clinical definition of an emergency is a situation that is serious, unexpected, and often dangerous, which requires immediate action. As a parent, an emergency situation is something that you perceive as threatening to your child’s health. Getting CPR certification online ensures that you are prepared to save your child’s life in case of imminent danger.
Symptoms That May Qualify as a Medical Emergency
Your child is likely to show the following signs which may indicate the need for a medical emergency:
- Your child appears more withdrawn and pays less attention
- Being unconscious or the child doesn’t react when you try to talk to them.
- Constant seizures which are rhythmic
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
- The child has a fever and the neck appears to be stiff
- A large and deep cut to the abdomen, chest, or head
- A bleeding wound that has lasted more than 5 minutes even after applying pressure to it.
- Injuries caused by a burn, especially on the face, chest, feet, hands, or groin.
Common Events that Cause Injuries Leading to an Emergency
- Car or bicycle crash
- Falling
- Choking
- Inhaling smoke or burns
- Drowning
- Electrocution
- Poisoning
- Playing with dangerous weapons such as firearms
You need to get help as soon as possible, especially for poisoning. Children are also poisoned by taking another person’s medicine, swallowing a button battery, or even a magnet. The most appropriate action you can take is to call 911 even though the child might not be showing the symptoms of poisoning just yet.
It is also crucial for every parent to be prepared. Start by learning about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly referred to as CPR) and first aid basics. You can register for online classes or other organizations that offer training such as the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency?
- You need to stop panicking and be calm
- Initiate CPR if the kid doesn’t become responsive
- Check whether your child is breathing, if not give rescue breaths
- Call 911 immediately for an ambulance and EMTs
In case of bleeding, apply pressure on the wound for five minutes using a clean piece of cloth. - If the child is having a seizure, find a comfortable place, and position him/her on the floor lying sideways. Avoid putting anything inside the mouth.
- If your child is injured and unable to move, leave him/her unless they are in immediate danger from something such as a fire.
- Stay beside the child until the EMTs arrive
- Take any medicine prescribed to your child with you to the doctor. You will also need to carry any suspected poisons.
- Ensure that you have an emergency information form that is separate for each child. The form includes contact information such as cell numbers and emergency contact, which can come in handy at a time of need.
Register today to be available to support your child in any life-threatening emergency!
