Parents can take every precaution possible to keep their kids safe, but accidents happen. Start teaching your kids early some basic first aid skills and what to do in an emergency. If your child gets injured, remain calm and talk him through the steps you are taking while applying ice, bandaging a boo-boo or treating a bug bite. The skills you teach youngsters now will be used for a lifetime. Here are some basic first aid tips you can start teaching kids now.
For bumps and bruises
Explain that bumping into something can cause bleeding under the skin—which is a bruise. Apply an ice pack to the bruise to prevent swelling and reduce pain. Show your child where you keep the ice pack and how to wrap it in a towel, so the ice isn’t directly on the skin.
Call for help if … your child has a head injury and is acting strangely or experiencing nausea, vomiting, confusion or vision changes.
For cuts
If your child has a cut, teach him to use a clean cloth to put pressure on it to slow bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
Call for help if … the cut is deep, will not stop bleeding, has something stuck in it or if you can see ligaments or bone.
For sprains and broken bones
Any time a broken bone is suspected, your kids should ask for help from an adult. Teach them to not touch the injured area and to apply ice while waiting for help.
Call for help if … the bone is bent or sticking out or if you cannot move or put weight on the injured area.
For burns
If your child has a mild burn, run it under cool tap water for 15 minutes and repeat as needed. Do not apply ice directly to the wound. If the burn blisters, ask your child to leave it alone as much as possible as this will help with the healing process.
Call for help if … the injury makes your child unable to move. If the injury is waxy looking or bigger than the palm of your hand, seek medical attention.
For bug bites and stings
If your child has a bug bite, wash the area and apply ice for swelling and pain. You can also apply calamine lotion to help with itching.
Call for help if … your child has an allergic reaction to a sting or bite.
For choking
If someone is choking, remain calm and ask the person questions. If he can answer, he is still able to breathe. If he is coughing, wait and see whether he can clear the airway on his own. Older children can be taught how to do the stomach thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver) to help dislodge the item choking them. Older children also can be taught how to perform stomach thrusts on others.
Call for help if … someone is struggling to breathe and is unable cough or speak. In that case call 911.
First aid is an important life skill for anyone to have, and it is never too early to begin teaching basic skills. You can model what to do in an emergency situation by remaining calm and talking your child through minor injuries. For other emergencies, like fire safety and broken bones, you can use role playing to help kids understand what to do. Set a date on your calendar at least once a year to go over first aid, fire safety and what to do in an emergency. This regular practice will help your children remember what they learned and remain calm if they are faced with one of these situations.
When to Call 911
Once your children can read numbers, teach them how to use a phone to dial 911 for emergencies. Create a list of people to call in an emergency, including 911 and family and friends who would be willing to help if needed. Write your home address on the paper as well, so kids can refer to it if needed. Try role playing with your children so they know what to expect. Here are some quick do’s and don'ts to help you know when to call
DO call 911
- If there is a fire
- If someone is struggling to breathe
- If someone is unconscious
- If someone is choking (cannot talk and is not coughing)
- If there is a car accident
- If there is a crime
DON’T call 911
- If there is not an emergency
- If your pet is sick
- For a prank
- For minor injuries