Page 33 - Participant Manual

❍ Preschoolers (3 to 5 years). ❍ School-age children (5 to 12
Preschoolers are naturally curious. Allowing years). Children of this age are usually
the child to examine items, such as comfortable speaking with adults. They
bandages, can distract the child while you are able to understand what is happening
are checking him or her and providing care. and follow directions. Answer the child’s
If time permits, showing the child what you questions honestly, and let the child know
are going to do on a stuffed animal or doll if you are going to do anything that might
can help the child understand how you will cause pain.
care for him or her. Preschoolers often have
a fear of body mutilation and may become ❍ Adolescents (12 to 20 years).
very upset if they can see the results of an Adolescents may feel embarrassed and
injury (e.g., a bleeding wound or a deformed self-conscious about their changing
broken limb). bodies. Respect their modesty, and be
aware that an adolescent may be more
comfortable being checked by a person of
the same gender.

When the Injured or Ill Person Is an Older Adult

■ Pay attention to how the person introduces
him- or herself. If the person gives a last
name, consider addressing the person
more formally (e.g., “Mr. Johnson” rather
than “Bill”) as a sign of respect.
■ A family member, caregiver or other person
who knows the older adult well can be
a valuable source of information if the
older adult is not able to speak for him- or
herself. However, if the older adult is able
to understand and answer your questions,
speak directly to him or her, rather than
addressing your questions to others who
might be present.

■ Speak clearly and loudly enough for the include headache, a change in the person’s
person to hear you, but do not shout. If the usual level of activity, a change in mental
person does not seem to understand what you status (such as agitation, the new onset of
are saying, change your words, not the volume confusion, or increased confusion in a person
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
of your voice, unless you spoke too softly. who is already confused), lethargy (extreme
drowsiness or sleepiness) and difficulty
■ When interviewing the person, avoid rushing. sleeping.
Allow the person enough time to process your
questions and respond. ■ Many older adults have impaired hearing,
vision or both. If the person seems confused,
■ Be aware that in older people, the signs and make sure the “confusion” is not just the result
symptoms of a medical emergency may be of being unable to hear you or see you clearly.
very general and nonspecific, and they may If the person normally wears a hearing aid,
not even be noticeable to someone who make sure it is in place and turned on. If the
does not know the person well. General person usually wears glasses, make sure he or
signs and symptoms that could indicate she has them on.
a medical emergency in an older adult

(Continued )

Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 24 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 25 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual