Q.-A. ON FIRST AID
The same principles apply to every accident, whether it’s a mishap in the kitchen or a car.
• Assess the situation quickly. You may have to take steps to prevent further injury and protect yourself. After a road accident, for instance, stopping traffic is as vital as seeing your child.
• Reassure your child and keep calm. An air of confidence and competence will help your child.
• Decide whether you need help. Your child needs urgent hospital treatment if: she is unconscious; has difficulty in breathing; has lost a lot of blood; has a burn—unless it is small and superficial, or has broken a bone.
Can I take my child to the hospital myself?
In general, phone for an ambulance unless the injury is minor, and you can take your child to the hospital. If you’re unsure, phone your doctor—if you can’t get through, go to the hospital anyway. Never give an injured child anything to eat or drink— she may need a general anaesthetic.
Is it a good idea to go on a first-aid course?
Yes, it is. The information on these pages is not a substitute for first-aid training. You are more likely to save a child’s life if you have taken an approved course.
FIRST AID KIT
Every home (and car) should have a first aid kit. It can help you cope with minor injuries as well as some serious ones. Keep the kit accessible and clearly labelled but not of a child’s reach, and check stocks regularly. Write significant phone numbers on a card, such as your doctor or local hospital, and tape it to the lid.
Useful Extras
• Roll of sterile cotton wool
• Gauze pads
• Eye pad with bandage
• Disposable gloves
• Cotton wool buds
• Two small clear plastic bags and kitchen film to dress burns or seal chest wounds
• Clean pillowcase or sheet—for large burns or other wounds
• Thermometer
• Torch (at least nearby) in case of a power failure
• Foil emergency blanket for a car kit
• Whistle to summon help—significant for the car kit
In theory, first-aid boxes shouldn’t contain medicines, but in practice, it’s helpful to keep liquid paracetamol and a clean 5 ml medicine spoon and calamine lotion in, or near, a home first-aid kit.
IF YOUR CHILD IS BLEEDING
Severe bleeding needs urgent treatment to prevent shock. Your child will likely be very upset but don’t panic, as you’ll be less able to help her.
What should I do first?
• Gently remove or cut away clothing.
• Apply pressure directly onto the wound with your fingers or over a sterile dressing.
• Raise and support the injured limb so it is higher than her heart (chest).
• If possible, lay your child down.
• Once the bleeding stops, put another dressing over the original one and bandage firmly in place. If any blood seeps through the dressings, add another one.
• Take your child to the hospital or DIAL FOR AN AMBULANCE If there is a foreign body
If something such as a piece of glass is in the wound, DO NOT try to remove it. Press firmly against either side of the object. Then build up padding on either side of the object until high enough to bandage over the top without pressing on the object.
For minor cuts and grazes
Wash graze with water and try to remove any gravel, though this may re-start bleeding. Apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a plaster or sterile pad. See a doctor if there is any dirt left in the wound.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS A BURN
The effect of a burn is much the same, whatever the cause, and you aim to cool the burn as soon as possible. A burn can be partial, full, or a combination of both. A partial thickness burn affects only the top layer of skin and is very painful. It looks red and raw but usually heals well. A full-thickness burn affects all the skin layers and may be painless. The area may look white or waxy, and scarring is usually severe.
What should I do first?
Cool the burn. Run cold water slowly over it for at least 10 minutes. If the burns are on her trunk, put her in the bath and use a shower, but don’t let her get too cold. No need to remove her clothes before you start.
Cover the burn with a non-fluffy sterile dressing (you can use kitchen film).
Do not apply butter, fat or any ointment or gel.
Take your child to the hospital if; the burn is larger than the palm of her hand; there is a full-thickness burn, however small; it’s a chemical or electrical burn; the burn is in her mouth or on her face—swelling can block the air passage.
If you’re not sure, go anyway, or ring your doctor.
Is clothing on FIRE
Do not let her run about. This will only fan the flames.
Do lay your child down so the flames can’t burn her face. Put out the flames with water.
Alternatively, wrap her tightly in a woollen or cotton blanket or coat (NOT nylon), and roll her along the ground to smother the flames.
DIAL FOR AN AMBULANCE