5 Essential First Aid Tips You Need to Know as a Parent

The responsibilities in keeping your child safe can be worrying. Children are naturally active, curious, and not as sensible as they should be. There will inevitably be accidents and injuries, sometimes serious ones. It could be critical for parents to be prepared to provide children with first aid. Here are five important tips to follow.

Stings and Bites

For bees and wasps, remove the stinger, wash the spot, and apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort. If the bite comes from a spider you can’t identify, keep an eye on the bite mark to see if the area becomes swollen or painful. If so, get your child to a doctor. Always watch for signs of allergic reactions to insect bites, and get your child help immediately if that’s the case.

Fever

Kids pick up all kinds of germs, some of which can lead to infections. When your child is showing signs of illness, check their temperature to determine whether they’re feverish. High fevers can have dramatic consequences in very young children. Signs of serious infection can include nausea, diarrhea, rashes, aches, migraines, and unusual drowsiness. Keep the child cool and get them to a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds

The most important thing is to stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. You may have to take the child in for stitches and possibly a tetanus booster. If the wound isn’t too deep, rinse it with water, not detergents or alcohol. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. In the event of a severe puncture such as a stick or nail, don’t try to remove the object. Take the child to a doctor or emergency room.

Eye Injury

Any object or irritant chemical that’s splashed into the eye can be painful. Immediately flush the eye with water for a few minutes. Never touch the eye itself or allow the child to rub at an injured eye. If there’s any foreign matter in the eye that can’t be eliminated with flushing, get the child to a doctor to remove it. Even if the eye seems to be okay, if redness, pain, or problems with vision continue, seek medical help.

Get Prepared

Do your best to prepare for any potential emergency with a list of emergency numbers and a well-stocked first aid kit. Keep them together in a handy location at all times. It also helps to keep a supply of ice packs and a range of bandages. Consider taking a first aid course that includes CPR, to find out more about the equipment and training you should have, contact a specialist in emergency preparedness such as Rescue AED LLC.

Frightening as it may be, in the worst scenario your child’s life might be in your hands. Learning proper first aid techniques and adequate preparedness can make all the difference.