First Aid for Common Injuries

First Aid for Common Injuries

Just under half of children suffer an injury that needs medical attention by the time they are 4. Many injuries can be prevented with simple steps, And acting quickly and correctly if an injury happens is important for stopping the injury from getting worse. 

Key tips for preventing major injuries 

  • don’t have hot drinks or food while holding baby and keep hot drinks and food out of reach of children 
  • actively supervise children in the water at all times - little ones under 5 need to be in arms reach 
  • never leave children under 6 alone in the bath, it takes 20 seconds to drown 
  • make sure all children wear a helmet when on a bike, scooter, horse or during snow sports 
  • keep your home safe - secure curtains/bind cords; cover outlets; use fire guards, child safety locks and baby gates to keep children out of unsafe areas. Baby gates at the top of the stairs need to be screwed into the wall 
  • make sure all toys are 3cm wide or 10cm long to prevent a choking or obstruction event 

Burns and Scalds

Burns and Scalds

1. Stop the burn 

  • remove saturated clothes as long as they are not stuck to the skin, don’t forget the nappy! 

2. Cool the burn 

  • use cool running water, if none is available us any clear liquid 
  • if the burn is on their trunk or it is a young baby, use lukewarm water 

3. Cover the burn 

  • cover with a non-stick dressing, gladwrap works well 

IMMEDIATELY RUN COOL WATER OVER THE BURN FOR 20 MINUTES 

When to call an ambulance 

  • significant pain, severe injury 
  • the burn involves your child’s eyes 
  • the burn area is larger than your child’s arm 

Bleeding

Bleeding 

Stop the bleeding 

  • use pressure for several minutes 

Clean and dress the wound 

  • place loose skin flaps over the wound 
  • cover with a sterile dressing for 24 hours 

Change the dressing 

  • change when wet or dirty in the first 24 hours and then remove 

Watch for signs of infection 

  • swelling, redness, ooze, fever, pain 
  • a red streak which tracks away from the wound 

Drowning

Drowning 

Remember, any body of water more than 5 cm deep is a drowning risk 

  • make sure they are breathing normally 
  • lay them on their side in case they vomit 
  • always call an ambulance, even if they seem fully recovered 
  • if a child is unconscious start basic life support (CPR)

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

Poisoning and Foreign Body Obstruction

Poisoning and foreign body obstruction 

Poisoning often happens during use, shortly before or after use, or right after purchasing a poisonous substance (including medications). Children ages 0-4 years account for 86% of hospitalisations from poisoning. Foreign body obstruction (FBO) is most common in children under 3. 

Poisoning - there is no at-home treatment 

  • if you think your child has swallowed something poisonous DO NOT make them vomit! - this can cause trauma 
  • DO NOT give water or milk! - this can make some poisons more harmful 

Always call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) if you think a child has swallowed or been exposed to something poisonous. Keep poisons and medications in a child proof draw or cupboard or out of reach.

If a child is unconscious or is not breathing normally call 111 for an ambulance. Follow the Basic Life Support Flowchart and start CPR. 

Foreign body obstruction 

3 items that cause serious complications 

  • button battery 
  • 2 or more magnets 
  • expandable toys 

If you think your child has swallowed any of these three items they need to go to the Emergency Department.

Honey protocol for button battery Ingestion 

As long as it doesn’t delay hospital treatment, give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes unless your child is under 12 months.

Signs to look out for: 

  • if you are worried your child has swallowed something they shouldn’t have look for signs of obstruction such as trouble swallowing and drooling, tummy pain or blood in their poo 

Call an ambulance if your child is in severe pain or they are choking 

Electric Shock

Electric Shock

  • switch off current before touching your child, to avoid getting shock if that is not possible, use a wooden chair or broom to push the child away from the cause of the shock 
  • if they are unresponsive start basic life support 
  • check for burns without disturbing recovery position. Cover burns with cold, wet cloth pads