Teenagers and young people are the most likely to push boundaries and take risks when things go wrong. It is vital that teenagers have the skills and confidence to help each other and themselves. A survey commissioned by the British Red Cross revealed worrying statistics:

• More than 532,000 teenagers have been left to cope with a drunken friend who was sick, injured or unconscious in the last year.
• 1/4 of young people have had to deal with asthma attacks.
• 1/3 of teenagers have had to cope with someone with a head injury.
• 1/5 teenagers have had to help someone who is choking.

Crucially: when faced with these emergency situations, 44% panicked and 46% simply didn’t know what to do. In the study’s most compelling statistic, 97% of young people believed first aid education would improve their confidence, skills and willingness to act in a crisis.

Here is some guidance, as to the best ways to help with some of the most common student emergencies.

Overdoing it on the alcohol

If someone has collapsed having drunk too much; it is vitally important to immediately check that they are breathing and keep their airway clear. Roll them into the recovery position. When someone is drunk, it is harder for them to maintain their body temperature. This means it is easier for them to succumb to hypothermia. If they are outside, move them inside, if possible. Alternatively, if it is unwise to move them, insulate them from the ground and cover them with a coat or blanket. Whoever is with them should keep checking they are breathing and that their airway remains clear, especially if they are vomiting.

Alcohol also makes it harder to assess serious signs and symptoms. If someone hits their head and they are drunk; they should always be checked out by a medical professional. Anyone who has suffered a head injury should be monitored for the next 48 hours to check for any signs of brain injury. This is even more important if they have been drinking or have taken any other substances.

Drugs

If someone has taken some sort of high, they are likely to have poor judgement and underestimate risks. They may even seek danger as an additional thrill. It is usually fairly obvious when someone is out of it. Check for dilated or constricted pupils. Speak to them and listen to what they are saying and how they say it. They may have taken a cocktail of drugs, or they may not know what they have taken at all.

It is possible that they might be hallucinating, or could be violent; do not put yourself in any danger. If they do not want your help and you are concerned about them; call an ambulance and the paramedics will take control of the situation. Many drugs lead to an excessive thirst and overheating so it is vitally important to remain well hydrated and not to mix drugs and alcohol.

If you are caring for someone who is suffering a bad reaction from drugs, get help fast. When someone is unconscious and breathing, you should put them into the recovery position. Keep checking that they are breathing. If they stop breathing and you need to do CPR, ensure you protect yourself with a face shield.

Asthma attacks

It is important for everyone to remain as calm as possible as stress and panic will make the situation worse. Encourage them to use their blue reliever inhaler. If they haven’t got access to their inhaler; you should phone an ambulance. If you are near a chemist that is open, it is possible to buy an emergency inhaler over the counter if you show proof of prescription for medication. You should seek medical help immediately, if their symptoms get worse.

Fallen from a height or hit by a car

If you suspect someone may have a spinal injury, it is still absolutely vital to protect their airway and ensure they continue to breathe. However, it is also important to avoid twisting their spine. Maintaining a clear airway is of paramount importance. Therefore, you will still need to roll them into the recovery position if they are unconscious and breathing. It is best to log roll them with the help of others. Treat bleeding by applying direct pressure also watch for signs of shock and phone for an ambulance.

First Aid is an essential life skill. Young people remain safer by appreciating risk and help each other if they are involved in a medical emergency. My own teenagers have both had to use their first aid skills and knowledge on numerous occasions: at parties, on the sports pitch, and babysitting. A First Aid qualification is also invaluable to young people striving to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh and Sports Leadership Awards. It is highly sought after by UCAS – particularly if applying for a medically related subject.

Parents feel far more confident leaving their little ones with someone equipped with the skills to deal with a potential accident. Sports and kids clubs view First Aid skills as a necessity. Therefore not only are the skills hugely valuable, and could save a life; the qualification gained is likely to increase a young person’s chances in this highly competitive world.

Course information

First Aid for Life runs practical and online courses for young people. We run scheduled and bespoke courses for groups of friends and are happy to tailor them for specific requirements such as post exam trips away, university, GAP years and sports qualifications.

Please contact emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk, firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 In addition http://onlinefirstaid.com has a specific First Aid for Teenagers course which will allow them to access these vital skills on their computers and mobiles. There are numerous free resources available on our website.

About us

Written by Emma Hammett

First Aid for Life and Online First Aid provide award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs. Please visit our site and learn more about our practical and online courses. It is vital to keep your skills current and refreshed. We are currently providing essential training for individuals and groups across the UK. In addition, we have a great range of online courses. These are ideal as refreshers for regulated qualifications or as Appointed Person qualifications.

You can attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.

First Aid for life and Online First Aid provide this information for guidance only. It is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. We are not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken on this information.

Author: Emma Hammett