When a Child Collapses: What Can You Do Before EMS Arrives?
When a Child Collapses: What Can You Do Before EMS Arrives?
It’s every caregiver’s nightmare: a child suddenly collapses. In that moment, what do you do? This article gives you clarity, actionable steps, and the confidence to act.
🧊 Why Does a Child Collapse?
Collapse may occur due to:
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Cardiac arrest or arrhythmia
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Severe #asthma attack
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Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
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Head injury or concussion
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Seizures
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Other medical emergencies
Recognizing that immediate response is critical can save a life.
🆘 How Can You Assess the Situation Quickly?
When you see a child go down:
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Check responsiveness. Gently tap and shout, “Are you okay?”
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Call for help. If there’s no response, ask someone to dial 911 immediately.
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Open airway and check breathing.
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If breathing normally, place in recovery position and monitor.
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If not breathing (or only gasping), start CPR.
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Begin chest compressions and rescue breaths.
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Use pediatric CPR ratio (for trained responders).
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Use an AED (if available). Many AEDs have pediatric pads or settings.
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Continue until EMS arrives or the child recovers.
A calm, coordinated response boosts survival odds.
📘 Where Can You Get Training for This?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own — AIDCPr offers courses that give you the skills and confidence to act:
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In Person First Aid & CPR (ideal for mix of theory + practice)
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RSV + First Aid (helpful for respiratory emergencies)
These classes teach you the proper compressions, ventilation, AED use, and response steps.
🧰 What Extra Tools or Resources Should You Use?
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AED (Automated External Defibrillator): Know where one is located and how to use it.
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Emergency supply kit: Keep one nearby.
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First aid guide or quick reference cards that are easy to consult in #stressful moments.
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Simulation practice tools (dolls, manikins) for hands-on rehearsal.
Also check these helpful articles:
🎯 How Can You Stay Mentally Ready?
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Mental rehearsal: Visualize what you’d do in a collapse scenario.
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Frequent refreshers: Take a refresher course annually or practice skills.
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Stay calm under pressure: In an #emergency, focus on your ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
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Share knowledge: Teach family, friends, or coworkers so more people can help.
When many people around you are trained, the whole environment becomes #safer.
✅ What Should You Do Now?
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Sign up for a pediatric CPR / first aid course from AIDCPr
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Make sure you have emergency tools and kits (AED, supplies)
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Practice regularly — don’t let skills go stale
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Teach and encourage others to be prepared
And of course—follow childcareed.com on social media to stay up to date with #safety tips and educational resources!
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