Falls

Falls 

Fractures 

It is very hard to tell if an injured limb is a fracture or only sprained. If you child is not using a limb they need to be seen by a doctor for an xray. 

Fracture first aid 

  • apply an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 10-20 minutes 
  • support your child to rest and not use their swollen limb for 24 hours 
  • apply a compression bandage - elevate if possible

Head injuries 

It’s common to be worried your child has a head injury after a fall. Head to the doctor urgently or call an ambulance if you notice these signs 

Head injury first aid 

Always call an ambulance for any child who loses consciousness after a fall, even if they seem fully recovered.

  • don’t move your child if they have neck pain 
  • look for signs of a head injury and keep a close eye on them for at least 24 hours. This may include checking on them overnight 

When to see a doctor urgently or call an ambulance for a fall 

  • their limb looks deformed 
  • the bone is visible through the skin 
  • severe limb pain 
  • a hard knock to the head 
  • neck pain 
  • unusual behaviour 
  • vomiting more than once 
  • sudden loss of consciousness 
  • severe or increasing headache
  • seizure activity