First aid MM It can be really worrying when your baby suffers either an accident, or
suddenly becomes unwell. With a little first aid knowledge, however, you can make a big difference to the outcome!
B basics aby
Unresponsive If your baby appears to be unresponsive, gently tap or flick the sole of his foot and call his name to see if he responds in any way. Don’t shake your baby. Open his airway by placing one hand on his forehead and gently tilting his head back. Then, use your other hand to gently lift the point of his chin. If he’s breathing normally, hold him in the recovery position and cradle him in your arms with his head tilted downwards. Call 999 or 112 for assistance. If you need to carry out CPR on your baby, open his airway and make a
seal with your mouth around his mouth and nose. Blow steadily into your baby’s mouth for one second. His chest should rise and then, when you take your mouth away, it should fall again. This is described as one ‘puff’ or rescue breath. Give him five puffs. Follow this up with 30 ‘pumps’ or chest compressions. Place two fingers of your lower hand onto the centre of his chest. Press down by one third of the depth of the chest, then release the pressure, keeping your fingers in contact with the chest. This is classed as one ‘pump’. Give him 30 pumps. Continue with two more puffs and 30 pumps. Continue this cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until experienced help arrives or until your baby starts to become responsive and breathe normally. If he does start to breathe normally again, put him in the recovery position and cradle him in your arms, with his head tilted downwards.
Seizures Witnessing a baby having a seizure can be extremely distressing, but the good news is that, if you deal with it promptly and properly, it is rarely dangerous. A seizure is usually characterised by:
• Vigorous shaking with clenched fists and an arched back • Signs of fever, ie, hot, flushed skin • Twitching of the face and squinting, fixed or upturned eyes • Possible vomiting • Reduced response
If your baby is experiencing a seizure, put pillows around him to protect him. Cool him down – once the seizure has stopped – by removing any excess clothing or bedding. Put him into the recovery position by holding him in your arms and cradling him towards you with his head tilted downwards. Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance and keep him calm by reassuring him.
Fever Fever is common in babies and most will recover without any problems. A fever is defined as a temperature above 37°C. A temperature of more than
38°C is unusual in a baby under three months, so if your baby has a temperature this high it’s vitally important that you seek medical advice quickly. In babies aged between three and six months, seek advice if their temperature is above 39°C, as this may indicate that there is an underlying infection, which may trigger a febrile convulsion, which resembles a seizure.
Choking Signs of choking in a baby include him becoming distressed, having noisy breathing, or is unable to cry or cough. If you suspect that your baby is choking, then start by trying to ‘slap’ out whatever is causing him to choke. Lay him face down on your thigh and support his head. Give him up to five back blows between his shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Then, check his mouth by laying him on your thigh face up and carefully pick out any obvious objects with your fingertips. Try squeezing out the object by using two fingers and give up to five downward chest thrusts, then check his mouth. If the obstruction hasn’t cleared, call 999 or 112 for assistance. While you’re waiting for the ambulance, repeat the steps above. If he becomes unresponsive at any stage, open his airway and check his breathing. If he’s not breathing, start CPR and follow instructions for unresponsive above.
Witnessing a baby having a seizure can be extremely distressing, but the good news is that, if you deal with it promptly and properly, it is rarely dangerous
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