Every parent wants to protect their children from everything, but unfortunately, mishaps and injuries are part of life, particularly for energetic little ones. As a parent, you are probably the first on the scene when fevers, chokings, cuts, or emergencies happen. And while you can’t always prevent accidents, you can be prepared for them. Here are some essential first aid tips every parent should know.
1. Choking relief
Choking is very common in children and quite frightening. However, with the right help, the victim is more likely to recover fully. If your kid has choked on something but is talking, crying, or coughing, that shows their normal reflexes are working to clear the airway, so there is no call for alarm. However, if your child cannot breathe, cough, or talk, you should call 911 immediately or ask for help from someone who knows CPR.
While you wait, give five back blows between the child’s shoulder blades using the heel of the hand. If they are still obstructed, apply five abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, until the choking object is released or they start breathing again. If you don’t know how to perform CPR and other first aid skills, consider getting a CPR certification from a top first aid training provider in Glasgow.
2. Treating bump on the head
A light bump is often not a serious problem for a child. If your kid bumps their head from a fall, but doesn’t lose consciousness, use a cold pack and apply it to the area for at least 10 minutes. While you do that, encourage your child to rest.
However, a strong blow to the head followed by symptoms of pediatric dizziness, a shift in eating and sleeping habits, or loss of interest in things they often enjoy can be considered a medical emergency. Take the kid to the nearest emergency room or call 999 or 112.
3. Managing nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are often the result of dry air or nose picking. They are very common in children aged three to five years, but are typically not serious. Most nosebleeds will stop on their own and can be managed at home.
If your kid has a nosebleed, don’t tilt their head back since the blood might move down their throat, causing them to throw up. Instead, make them sit up straight and tilt their head forward slightly. Then, use a soft cloth or tissue to pinch their nose gently just below the nasal bone. Maintain the pressure for about 10 minutes. Call a pediatrician or visit the nearest emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop after five to 10 minutes.
4. Caring for minor cuts
The first step of treating a minor cut is to apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth for one to two minutes. When the bleeding is controlled, use warm water to rinse the wounded area until clean. Apply an antibiotic cream and then wrap the cut with a sterile bandage to reduce the risk of infection. Call a physician or seek medical help immediately for large and deeper cuts.
Endnote
Childcare is full of mishaps and injuries, which in some cases can be serious. Although parents try their best to safeguard their little ones from harm, accidents happen unexpectedly. The best thing you can do to keep your kids safe is to know how to respond in those situations.
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