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Chain of Survival in children
The Chain of Survival in children emphasizes
prevention, basic CPR, early identification of an emergency
with rapid activation of an Emergency Action Plan, including
EMS, and early Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Except for
those with heart problems, a child's heart does not usually
stop suddenly, as is often the case in adults. Rather, the
heart slows and then stops only after the child has not been
breathing for an extended time. Breathing stops because of
a lack oxygen in the blood. This can be caused by conditions
such as drowning, choking and SIDS.
Prevention
Injuries
Injury is a leading killer of children 14 and under worldwide.
Most injuries can be prevented by taking simple safety measures.
Drowning
Death rates are highest in children
less than five years old. Pool fencing significantly reduces
the risk of drowning. Pool fences a with a secure, self-latching
gate should be installed around all public, semi-public and
private pools.
SIDS
Placing infants on their backs to sleep
and giving them a pacifier significantly reduces the risk
of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Basic CPR
When an infant or child stops breathing
but their heart continues to beat and rescue breathing is
quickly provided, survival with normal (or near normal) brain
function is much higher, reportedly as much as 70%.
Early Access
When a child's breathing stops, immediate CPR is essential
to deliver critical oxygen to vital organs. When a rescuer
finds a child unresponsive and not moving, the provider should
give two minutes of CPR before calling 9-1-1 or attaching
an AED. If another rescuer is present, he or she should activate
the EMS system or Emergency Action Plan.
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