Nursery World - Life saver

Know your ABC to rescue an unconscious child before help has arrived, say doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital The first help that you give an unconscious or seriously ill child before professional aid arrives could ensure that the child reaches hospital in better shape, and even save a life. The most important principle of first aid for treating an unconscious child is to learn life-saving skills such as the ABC of resuscitation (Airway, Breathing, Circu- lation). This sequence aims to keep the vital organs receiving oxygen until medical assistance arrives.

The first help that you give an unconscious or seriously ill child before professional aid arrives could ensure that the child reaches hospital in better shape, and even save a life. The most important principle of first aid for treating an unconscious child is to learn life-saving skills such as the ABC of resuscitation (Airway, Breathing, Circu- lation). This sequence aims to keep the vital organs receiving oxygen until medical assistance arrives.

How does the ABC sequence work?

In the event of a child losing consciousness or failing to breathe, the first step is to open the child's airway and check for breathing. If this seems evident, place the child in the recovery position (explained below) and call for help. If the child is not breathing you need to administer rescue breaths, as the air you exhale should provide enough oxygen to sustain the vital organs.

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