First Aid Facts
The information below is only to be used as an approximate guide and is no replacement for attending a first aid course where you will have the opportunity to practice your skills under the guidance of one of our qualified and experienced first aid instructors.
What age is an infant (baby) for the purposes of first aid?
The age definition of an infant can best be defined as from birth to 1 year old.
What age is a child for the purposes of first aid?
the age definition of a child can best be defined as from 1 year old to the onset of puberty.
Normal Heart Rates
Adult: 60 - 100 beats per minute
Children: 90 - 110 beats per minute
Infants: 110 - 130 beats per minute
Normal Breathing Rates
Adult: 12 - 16 breaths per minute
Children: 20 - 30 breaths per minute
Babies: 20 - 30 breaths per minute
How much blood is in the average human body?
Approximately 1 litre of blood per 13kg of body weight (1 pint per stone)
What is normal human body temperature?
36°C- 37°C
What is the chain of survival?
When someone suffers an out of hospital Cardiac arrest; if certain things happen in a certain order, their chances of survival increased. This concept is now known as the Chain of Survival.
The Chain of survival is made up of four links;
1. Early recognition: being able to recognise someone is in Cardiac arrest is the first step to helping them. Call 999/112
2. Early CPR: by performing chest compressions you can keep their heart going until a defibrillator arrives.
3. Early defibrillation: For every minute the person doesn't have a defibrillator attached to their chest, their chances of survival reduce by 10%.
4. Early advanced care: This is delivered by the paramedics who arrive shortly after. If you start CPR within 2 minutes, place a defibrillator on their chest in four minutes and a paramedic arrives in 8, they have a 40% chance of survival.
