Chapter 21: People with Special Needs

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Communicating with an Ill or Injured Child

You need to reduce the child’s anxiety and panic and gain the child’s trust and cooperation if possible. Move in slowly. Keep a calm voice. Smile at the child. Ask the child’s name. Talk slowly and distinctly. Explain to the child and parents or guardian what you are going to

do. Reassure the child.

Children act differently depending on their age. Ask the parent or guardian for consent to give care.

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Children & Injury, Illness, & Poisoning

Injury

• MVA

• Bleeding

• Head injury

Illness

• High fever (do not give aspirin)

Poisoning

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Child Abuse

Child abuse

• An injury that does not fit the description of what caused the injury.

• Obvious or suspected fractures in a child younger than 2 years of age or any unexplained fractures.

• Bruises and burns in unusual shapes.

Injuries in various stages of healing, especially bruises and burns.

Unexplained lacerations and burns, especially to the mouth, lips and eyes.

Injuries to the genitalia; pain when the child sits down.

More injuries than are typical for a child of that age.

The child’s unwillingness to talk about the situation.

Explain your concerns to responding police officers or EMS personnel if possible.

Report your suspicions to Department of Social Services, the Department of Child and Family Services or Child Protective Services.

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is a disorder that causes seemingly healthy infants to stop breathing while they sleep.

SIDS is a leading cause of death among children ages 1 month to 1 year.

Care for the child as you would other cardiac arrest victims. Perform CPR and have someone call 9–1–1 or the local emergency number.

An incident involving a severely injured or ill infant or child or one who has died can be emotionally upsetting.

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Checking an Older Adult

Check an older adult may be difficult.

Learn the victim’s name.

Be respectful.

Position yourself at the victim’s eye level.

Assess the cause of any confusion the victim is experiencing.

Confusion may be a result of impaired vision or hearing loss. Find the victims glasses or other aids.

Speak slowly and clearly and look at the person’s face while you talk.

Find out if the victim is using medications or has known medical conditions.

Recognize that the victim may minimize signals of an injury for fear of losing his or her independence.

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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People with Disabilities

General guidelines for approaching an ill or injured person whom you believe is in some way disabled include—

Speaking to the person before touching him or her.

Asking if or how you can help.

Asking the person, any available family or friends for information about his or her condition.

Not removing any physical aids or supports.

Looking for medical alert identification.

Keeping an animal guide with the person.

AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross

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Special Situations

There are some situations in which you should not become involved, such as a crime scene or a hostile victim.

Suicide.

Physical assault or sexual assault.

Hostile victim.