First Aid for Children

Would you know what to do if your child was burned with a hot liquid? What if your child tripped and his ankle swoll up? If your child fell on the playground and knocked his tooth out, what would you do? It is very important that all parents and caregivers know what to do in an emergency situation. The care that you provide before medical assistance arrives can affect the outcome of the situation. Stay calm and plan ahead in case an emergency ever happens.

BURNS
If your child gets a minor burn that does not have blisters, place the burned area into cold water or cover with a towel soaked in cold water until the pain stops. Do not use ice on any burned skin. If the burn has blisters, do the same thing and do NOT break the blisters. Call your doctor for advice on how to cover the area. It is best for any burn on the face, genitals, hands or feet to be a medical professional. If your child experiences a large or deep burn, call 911 immediately and do NOT apply any medication. Remove the clothing if you can and keep your child warm with a clean sheet and then blanket until help arrives. Do not allow the sheet or blanket to touch the burned area. Chemical burns and electrical burns should always be seen by a doctor, If your child is experiencing an electrical burn, disconnect the electrical power and do NOT touch the child with bare hands. Pull your child away from the power source with wood or a thick,dry cloth.

SEIZURES AND CONVULSIONS
The most important thing to do when dealing with seizures is to keep your child safe and protect her from injury. If your child is not breathing, perform CPR and call 911. If your child is breathing, lay the child on their side and do not put anything into their mouth. Call 911 for medical assistance.