As a new parent or informal childcare provider, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby safe. But when it comes to first aid, you may not know where to start. Adelaide CPR First Aid offers an infant first aid course that is fun and dynamic for you, your family, or your friends. Read this guide to help you be prepared for anything.
Meaning of First Aid for Infants
Like anywhere in Australia, Adelaide is no stranger to newborn and infant accidents. Baby first aid is the initial assistance and care given to infant victims in emergency cases before professional medical treatment can be obtained.
Difference Between Infant First Aid and Child First Aid
Keep in mind that life-saving techniques may vary according to age. For the purpose of administering first aid, infants are identified as one year old or younger, while a child is anywhere between infancy and puberty, one to twelve years old.
The Curious Baby
Babies are most vulnerable in their first four months of life, the reason why much attention is given to them even in their simplest movements. And as their cognitive and motor skills develop, their curiosity and exploratory nature open doors to all sorts of dangers and risks.
If you are an expectant or new parent, a family or friend, or an unlicensed childcare provider that has not taken any Adelaide baby first aid course or doesn’t have any training about doing CPR on a baby, do not fret. We at CPR First Aid RTO 21903 have baby friendly Adelaide first aid courses and group classes carefully designed to equip you in unforeseen or uncontrolled incidents.
Common Baby Emergencies
When it comes to baby emergencies, time is of the essence. Every second counts. This is why it’s important to be knowledgeable of these untoward incidents to be prepared and mindful of how to avoid them. Here are some common emergencies that can happen at home or anywhere.
Choking
Babies choke when they put something in their mouth that is too big or they put too much in their mouth at one time and it blocks their airway.
Signs your baby is choking
- coughing or gagging
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing or gasping for air
- turning blue in the face
- loss of consciousnessÂ
If you suspect that your baby is choking, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Call the Adelaide emergency hotline immediately. Try to dislodge the object from the baby’s airway. If you are unable to do so, the baby will need to be taken to the hospital for further treatment.
Parents or childcare providers can help by teaching the baby to eat small bites and to chew their food well. Keep the baby away from objects and toys that are bite-size which can be potential choking hazards.
Burns and Scalds
The majority of burns and scalds in young children happen at home. Hot drinks, cooking oil and water are the most common causes. Babies can also get burns from heaters, stoves, fireplaces, electrical outlets, and chemicals with their ability to touch anything within their reach.
If your child does suffer a burn or scald, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Cool the area with water for 10 minutes. Do not apply any ointments, creams or other home remedies. Remove or cut any clothing constricting the area. Make sure to keep the burnt area clean to prevent infection.
Avoid these types of accidents by keeping an eye on your child at all times. Never leave them alone in a room with a heat source. Keep hot liquids and chemicals out of reach. And always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
Cuts and Bruises
A common cause of cuts and bruises in babies and toddlers is a fall. As they begin to explore their world, babies and toddlers are constantly on the move. They are often unsteady on their feet, which can lead them to be out of balance and fall. Other causes are bumps into furniture or other objects, being accidentally hit by someone, or the baby coming in contact with sharp items.
Cuts and bruises are a part of growing up and are usually not cause for concern. However, if the cut or bruise is accompanied by swelling, intense pain, or bleeding that does not stop when pressure is applied after a few minutes, it is important to seek medical attention.
Always store sharp objects after use. Cover sharp edges of furniture that can be harmful to your baby upon impact.
Febrile Convulsions
This is a type of seizure that most often happens between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. They are generally brief, usually lasts less than 5 minutes and do not cause any long-term problems.
Signs that a baby may be experiencing a febrile convulsion
- a sudden high fever
- body stiffness
- loss of consciousness
- jerking or twitching movements
- In some cases, the mouth foams or the eyes roll back.
If your baby has a febrile convulsion, stay calm and call triple zero (000)Â immediately. Do not try to stop the seizure by restraining your child. Once the seizure has stopped, carefully place your child on their side so they do not choke on their saliva.
There are a few things that can be done to help avoid febrile convulsions in infants. One is to ensure that they are vaccinated against common childhood illnesses. Another is to keep them well hydrated and cool during periods of fever.
Poisoning
There are many potential causes of poisoning in babies and young children. Some of the most common include:
- Medications: This is one of the most common causes of poisoning in young children. Babies and toddlers often put everything they can find in their mouths, including pills and other medication.
- Household cleaners: Many common household cleaners can be poisonous if ingested.
- Plants: Some plants, such as lilies, can be poisonous if ingested.
Be sure to keep all of the above-mentioned out of reach and/or properly labelled.
If you think your baby has been poisoned, it is important to act quickly and seek medical help by calling the Adelaide emergency hotline.Â
Symptoms of poisoning in babies
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness or unresponsive state
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Seizures
- Abnormal skin colouring
If the poison is on their skin or in their eye, try to remove it if it is safe to do so. Do not make your baby vomit unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
Other Possible Accidents
Electrocution
While any child can be at risk for an electrical injury, babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable since they are often curious and may not understand the dangers of electricity. To help keep your little ones safe, follow these safety tips:
- Keep electrical cords and outlets out of reach.
- Use cord shorteners or covers to keep cords from dangling down where kids can grab them.
Drowning
Water safety is equally important for babies to adults. Drowning can happen in bathtubs, pools, and even huge containers of water. Always keep a close watch on your baby as drowning can happen in an instant in conditions you did not expect.
If water has reached the baby’s lungs and you observe shortness of breath, coughing, or your baby is lethargic, call 000 if you are unable to perform CPR on the baby.
Take a Baby First Aid and Infant CPR Course in Adelaide Â
Have that peace of mind by taking the BFA Baby Friendly Basic First Aid (non-qualification) course. This is a non-qualification program tailored for parents, families, friends, and individuals wanting to learn basic life support for infants.
You’ll learn the following:
- Basic CPR
- DRSABCD – emergency protocol
- Recovery position
- Choking
- Burns
- Bleeding
- Anaphylaxis
- Asthma
CPR First Aid Adelaide CBD being an accredited first aid training institution nationwide for over a decade can assure its participants unparalleled in theory learning and practical application.
Interested in a public Adelaide CPR and first aid group class at Level 1/174 Gilles St, Adelaide 5000? Contact us now.
