Warning-sign checks
CPR - young child: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911An unresponsive child who is not breathing normally is an emergency.
Call your local emergency number immediately, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as possible.
After hospital discharge, call emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment if the child:
- Becomes unresponsive, collapses or has abnormal breathing
- Develops severe difficulty breathing
- Has a seizure that does not stop as directed in their care plan
- Develops blue, grey or very pale skin with reduced responsiveness
- Has severe or rapidly worsening chest pain
Other emergency signs, for anyone
- Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
- Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
- Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
- Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
- Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
- Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
- Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
- Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen todayContact the child’s healthcare team promptly for increasing chest soreness, fever, vomiting, new weakness, unusual sleepiness or changes in behaviour.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointmentRoutine follow-up should cover recovery, medicines, activity, school attendance and any further testing.
Keep these appointments even if the child seems well.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on CPR - young child. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.