The ABCs of Pediatric First Aid Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, there’s a high chance that you’ll have to provide first aid for your child at some point. Life is full of bumps and tumbles. The good news is that if you live in or near Kissimmee, Orlando, Poinciana/Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, FL, and want to learn more about first aid for kids, you can contact Pediatrics of Central Florida. Our team of doctors and other practitioners can provide more insights.

For now, let's take a look at the so-called "ABCs" of first aid. This isn't a mere tongue-in-cheek label for providing first aid, but instead, a quick and easy way to remember some important concepts.

ABCs as a Foundation for First Aid For Kids

ABC stands for "airway, breathing, and circulation". These three concepts rank among the most important foundational concepts for providing first aid not just to children, but people in general. The human body needs oxygen, which is supplied by airways, breathing, and the blood circulating in the body. Without oxygen, cells in the body will begin to quickly die off or be damaged.

Let's take a look at the ABCs individually. If you have any questions or concerns, however, you can get in touch with Pediatrics of Central Florida. We proudly serve St. Cloud, Orlando, Kissimmee, FL, and other communities nearby.

Airways

A is for airways and if you think a child is having a breathing issue, you will want to quickly check to see if their airways are being physically blocked. This may be because they are choking on food, for example. There are a variety of procedures parents can use to unblock airways, including the rather famous Heimlich maneuver. However, it's crucial to work with certified experts to make sure you can do them correctly.

Breathing

This is airways but focuses on something a bit different. As a parent, you need to monitor for signs of breathing issues. In some cases, children can't effectively communicate. If you notice signs, such as blueness around the lips, then you know there might be a serious breathing issue to deal with. This may be due to an allergic reaction or allergies, rather than choking on food or toys.

Circulation

Circulation is crucial and requires a beating heart. Parents should know how to perform CPR and perhaps also how to use defibrillators. You also need to learn how to recognize signs of heart trouble, such as quickly finding the pulse. If you need help with first aid for children in Kissimmee, Orlando, Poinciana/Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, FL, give Pediatrics of Central Florida a ring at the numbers listed below:

• Orlando, FL, by calling (407) 857-2816
• St. Cloud, FL, by calling (407) 891-0479
• Kissimmee, FL, by calling (407) 846-3455, or (407) 933-5985

Call today.