Caring For Our Teens

  Adolescent CPR A Crucial Part of CPR , mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is an effective way to ventilate an unconscious teen whose respiration is compromised.   It is very frightening to see a teenager unconscious, especially if that teen is your child. Youth counselors, too, will feel deep concern in such an emergency. Nevertheless, it is important to remain calm and not to panic! When you have knowledge and training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, you will know how to help a teen. When carried out immediately and correctly, CPR has the potential to save a young life! Here are steps to follow if you come across a teenager who is unresponsive:  •     Gently tap the teenager on the shoulder and ask, "Are you okay?" If the teen does not respond, call for help. Ask another person to call 911 immediately. If you are alone and you saw the youngster collapse, call 911 at once. If the teenager is likely unconscious from a non-cardiac cause and yo

  Background Information on Adolescent CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure used "to restore   and maintain breathing and circulation and to provide oxygen and blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs" (Encyclopedia of Children's Health). The procedure combines chest compressions with artificial respirations . CPR may be combined with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to get it beating again.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), in the pediatric age range, cessation of the heartbeat is most common in infants and teenagers (2000). CPR must be given immediately to an unconscious teenager who has stopped breathing and/or who has suffered cardiac arrest.  Among adolescents, common causes of respiratory and/or cardiac arrest include traumatic brain injury, near-drowning, anaphylaxis,  alcohol poisoning,   drug overdose,   sudden cardiac arrest (SC

Giving First Aid to An Adolescent Child:  🚑 Things to Remember 🚑 In little children, injuries and illnesses, both major and minor, can produce crying and the need for an adult's immediate care and comforting. In older children, physical suffering may be endured more calmly. As the publication Growing Up With Us notes, "Much self-control is usually evident" in this age group (Growing Up With Us, 2006, p.2). However, when a teenager is in a lot of pain from an injury or illness, tears can still be the natural emotional response. This can happen in both girls and boys, depending on each individual.    Hurt or sick youngsters need an adult's calm and comforting presence with an emphasis on respect, just as little ones do. Adults giving first aid should ask a conscious young person's permission before assessing his or her condition. For example, ask, "Do you mind if I check your pulse?" and "Is it alright with you if I remove your necklace?"  T