As a parent, you have to be prepared for your child to injure themselves. Children often run around and don’t consider the danger of potential hazards. It’s all apart of being a child and it is good if you, as a parent, can handle any small injuries on your own. When treated properly you can prevent scarring and quicken the healing process. It is also good for you to have some basic knowledge in case of an emergency, being able to act quickly could save their life.
This article is designed to give you a rough guide. If you want to learn more about first aid, such as how to use a defibrillator, then you may be able to find a class local to you. The Boston scientific defibrillator lawsuit has resulted in defibrillators being made better.
Choking
If your baby is choking, then you should pick them up and place them along your forearm or knee. You should place their head downwards to allow gravity to help relieve the obstruction. You then need to apply firm blows on their back which will help to force the object out. For a video guide, click here. If this doesn’t work, then turn them over and apply blows to their chest.
For a child older than twelve months, you will need to do the same thing but instead of lying them down stand them up and get them to lean forward before hitting their back. If this does not work then grab them under the ribs and pull up firmly.
It may be difficult for you to hit your child, however, if they are not breathing then you need to get the object out. While you do what you can, get someone else to phone an ambulance.
Burn
Burns are common amongst young children. You should run a burn under cold water for ten minutes or more to take away all of the heat. Then cover the area with cling film to keep it clean. The cling film will also stop the air from hitting it which can cause pain.
Febrile seizure
Seizures are common in children because they cannot regulate their body temperatures well. Their skin will become hot, their eyes might roll back and they will twitch and clench their firsts and arch their back.
This can be scary but the best way to handle it to cool them down. Open a window – cool them down gradually to avoid shock.
When the seizure is over, place them on their side and tilt their head back. This is the recovery position.
Prevent further seizures by keeping them cool and hydrated whilst administrating paracetamol. Hospital is not needed but you may want to take them to put your mind at ease.
Head bump
Children often bump their heads. Usually, it can be treated with something cold – e.g. frozen peas – and lots of cuddles. However, if they are sick, become drowsy or unbalanced, or their behavior changes then take them to the hospital. Symptoms may not present themselves until hours after the injury.
