PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

What is the basic anatomy and physiology relating to an infant’s respiratory system? An infant’s airway is smaller so there is a greater risk of airway obstruction from small foreign bodies. Infants have a larger tongue and smaller oral cavity so the tongue is more likely to obstruct the airway than in the adult. Also, in an infant the ribs are positioned more horizontally so when breathing the ribs only move up, and not up-and-out like an adult rib cage. This limits the capacity to increase tidal volumes. What are the basic anatomical differences between adults and children? Children have a proportionately larger body surface area so there is a greater risk of excessive loss of heat and fluids. Children are also affected more quickly and more easily by toxins that are absorbed through the skin as their skin is thinner than adults. Therefore, there is an increased absorption of agents that can be absorbed through the skin. Furthermore, in children the body cells divide more rapidly so they are more susceptible to the effects of radiation than adults. Children also have higher respiratory rates than adults, making them more susceptible to agents absorbed through the pulmonary route so they may respond more rapidly to such agents. They have a higher metabolic rate, making them more susceptible to contaminants in food or water which in turn exposes them to greater risk of increased loss of fluids when ill or stressed. Children also have immature immune systems, exposing them to greater risk of infection and lower immunity from some infections. What are the implications for providing CPR and first aid to children and infants? Children and infants differ, both anatomically and physiologically, from adults. These differences will have an impact on the assessment and management of the child or infant casualty. However, it is important to recognise that the basic principles of emergency care (airway, breathing and circulation) remain the same – regardless of the age of the casualty. What are the normal paediatric vital signs by age group?

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING

HLTAID004 - PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY FIRST AID RESPONSE IN AN EDUCATION AND CARE SETTING

FA EDU – Independent Study Knowledge Review Please complete and return this independent study Knowledge Review (preferably by email) to your Trainer before attending the face-to-face portion of your training program. Notes: Question numbers continue from previous unit of competency: HLTAID003 Provide first aid. Unless otherwise indicated, select only one response that best answers the question. Student Name:  Date: 38. If an unresponsive child is taking infrequent and sporadic, slow and noisy gasps, he is breathing normally and there is no need for CPR. True False 39. Children may experience cardiac arrest due to respiratory failure, existing heart condition or se- vere trauma. True False 40. Relative to adults, the differences you need to consider to help you determine how to best handle emergencies involving a child include: Age and size Ability to understand what is going on or to communicate effectively Mental state and willingness to cooperate All of the above 41. With children and infants, a healthy heart will normally beat between 70 and 160 beats per min- ute and the incidence of cardiac arrest in children is low compared to adults. True False 42. Which of the following statements are true in regards to defibrillation with an AED. Adult AEDs are suitable for use on children older than 8 years. For children between 1 and 8 years old, special child-sized pads may be available. Never use child pads on an adult. All of the above 43. There are case reports demonstrating successful use of AEDs on infants. However, AED use on in- fants is not supported by definitive research. For this reason, AED use by lay Emergency Respond- ers on infants is not recommended. True False

IV-7

IV-6

PADI RTO

PADI RTO