Teen Health, Safety, & 

First Aid/Emergency Care

Teenage children have many important needs when it comes to their health and safety. During the adolescent years, youngsters' bodies go through the amazing changes of puberty. The physical changes experienced are unique to boys and girls. Teens often grow at a rapid pace, and therefore require an ample supply of nutrients and calcium each day. In addition, adolescents need a rather different kind of protection and supervision than that of younger children.

Adolescence is often a time when children start doing many things on their own; spending time with friends, engaging in recreational activities, and crossing the street and driving (eventually), all without the watchfulness of parents. At the same time, teens do not always judge dangers carefully and may be unaware of them. These factors pose new, specific risks to teenagers. At times, there is inadequate adult supervision and serious accidents and tragedies follow. Frequently in the news we hear about young persons who have drowned, been seriously hurt or killed in traffic, or who have died from accidental drug overdoses. Such occurrences are heartbreaking for parents, who can never forget the loss of their special son or daughter. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), "More than 3000 adolescents die every day, totaling 1.2 million deaths a year, from largely preventable causes".

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention tell us,"Teenage mortality is an important public health issue because the majority of deaths among teenagers are caused by external causes of injury such as accidents, homicide, and suicide", though cancer, heart disease, and congenital anomalies also make up a smaller portion of deaths (Miniño, 2010). Boys are more likely to die than girls are (Miniño). Accidents alone account for nearly 50% of all teenage deaths, with motor vehicle collisions being the leading factor (Miniño).  

Teenagers need to be kept safe and it is still an adult's job to make sure this is so. Caring adults should make an effort to be nearby groups of young people who are playing sports or engaged in other activities that have a potential for accidents. Raising Children Network explains that adolescent children "might be more likely to be injured" because their brains are still getting used to the new increases in height that come with puberty (2020). People who work with teens should be trained in basic first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).  Yet, young people need to be told explicitly what is a danger to their health or life, so that they will be responsible and careful for the sake of their own well being.  In this unit, therefore, we will first look at physical growth, nutrition, and health needs, as well as common illnesses, conditions, accidents, emergencies, and health risks, with first aid guidelines included.  

References

Miniño, A.  (2010).  Mortality among teenagers aged 12-19:  Years: United States, 1999-2006.  Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.  Retrieved Jul. 24, 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db37.htm#:~:text=%20Key%20findings%20%201%20An%20average%20of,of%20death%20to%20teenagers%2C%20representing%20over...%20More%20

Raising Children Network.  (2020).  Physical changes in puberty: boys and girls. Raising Children Network.  Retrieved Jul. 24, 2020 from https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/development/puberty-sexual-development/physical-changes-in-puberty  

World Health Organization.  (2017).  More than 1.2 million adolescents die every year, nearly all preventable.  WHO.  Retrieved Jul. 24, 2020 from https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/16-05-2017-more-than-1-2-million-adolescents-die-every-year-nearly-all-preventable

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