Do you know the importance of common first aid tips? Children under the age of five are bound to have some occasional tumbles. While it’s almost impossible to prevent such occurrences, there’s much that can be done to make them feel better. Here are some common first aid tips that doctors advise parents to take. These include methods for patching wounds up, stocking first aid kits and calming the young patients.
For scapes and cuts, you should act fast. If the patient is bleeding, firmly press over the area using a clean piece of cloth until bleeding ceases. This can be anywhere from 3 to fifteen minutes. You should then clean using some lukewarm water then pat gently to dry.
If the wound was caused by an animal scratch or is dirty, rinse using some water and lather gently with soap. For broken skin, apply some ointment then cover with a bandage and adhesive tape. If bleeding doesn’t stop, call an ambulance or head to the emergency room immediately.
Some follow up care and first aid tips is also necessary for such injuries. A new bandage should be applied at least once a day until the area is fully healed. If you observe symptoms of draining or foaming pus, consult a doctor right away to have the infection treated. When the would heals, apply some sun screen until it starts fading. This is because skin that’s newly healed is more prone to sun burns. This could make the eventual scar more noticeable.
First aid tips for Burns and scalds
Burns should be attended to immediately. Hold the area under cool, running water or place a wet towel until the pain goes away. Small blisters should be covered using a loose bandage or tape and gauze. If the burns are on the hands, genitals or face, see a doctor immediately. Avoid popping the blisters yourself. If the skin becomes broken, apply some anti-biotic ointment and cover the area until it’s fully healed. Look out for any swelling, redness, discharge or tenderness. These are all symptoms of infection.
Nosebleeds are also common occurrences among infants. First, have the child sit upright but don’t tilt the head backwards. Any tight clothing around the neck should then be loosened. Have the kid lean forward and continuously pinch the lower end of the nose towards the nostrils. Do not release to check the nose as this could cause the bleeding to continue. If it was caused by trauma, hold an ice pack against the bridge of the nose to reduce swelling after the bleeding subsides. If it doesn’t stop after ten minutes, you’re advised to consult a doctor.
Preventive measures
There are several steps that could be taken to prevent accidents from happening around the house. Sharp objects should be kept away from children. Also, discourage any loud, sudden noises which can startle kids. If you notice your child using something which could cause injury, take it away. Also, discourage excessive running through the home and don’t allow young kids to walk while carrying heavy objects. You should also ensure that the toys your children use are appropriate for their respective ages.