First Aid & Safety
No one wants to find themselves in an emergency situation, but it happens. Being prepared for these situations can be the difference between calmly administering first aid and panic. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit and knowledge about what to do in certain situations can help you save your child’s life and prevent further injury. First aid & safety is an essential part of any parent’s toolkit!
One of the best things that you can do as soon as your child is old enough is to teach her to use 911. Should there ever be a situation wherein your child needs to be the one to call, it is essential that she knows how to do this.
Emergency situations:
Cuts and scrapes
Most cuts and scrapes can be treated at home by cleaning the wound and using an antibiotic ointment before covering the cut or scrape. For larger gashes, though, you should seek medical attention to remove any debris or get any necessary stitches.
Burns
If your child has a burn, make sure you take note of the type of burn (fire, chemical, electrical, etc.). For superficial burns, you can likely treat the burn at home by running cold water over the burn and then applying aloe to the area. However, if your child has a more serious burn, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Broken bones
If your child has a broken bone, go to the emergency room or urgent care right away. Broken bones can be incredibly painful, and if your child can’t stand even a light touch to the area, then it may be a broken bone.
Bug bits and stings
Most bug bites can be treated with soap and water and some hydrocortisone cream. However, there are some bites and stings that can cause serious, life-threatening reactions. If your child has a serious reaction to a bug or insect bite, seek emergency medical attention. Signs to look for are inflammation, difficulty breathing, hives, and pain.
If it is possible, you should take note of the type of bug or insect that is responsible for the bite; your pediatrician may need this information to properly respond to your child’s reaction.
Fevers
Having a fever is a sign that your child’s body is fighting off some kind infection. If you know the cause, like the common cold, and your child has a low-grade fever, you can probably get by with monitoring your child’s progress. However, as soon as your child’s fever nears 102 or is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, a rash, abdominal pain, headache, or just looks very ill, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Head injuries
Your child will get more adventurous, and that means that falls are more probable and the risk for head injuries increases, especially if your child plays sports. If your child has or you suspect your child has experienced a head injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Missing teeth
A knocked out tooth can be painful. If your child has knocked out a tooth, gently clean the tooth in warm water, have your child rinse his mouth with a warm salt water solution, and keep the tooth in a glass of milk until you can get to your dentist’s office.
Seizures
If your child has a seizure, seek medical attention as soon as possible. While this condition is manageable, if your child has never had one before, you should seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Talk to Dr. Moemeka about any emergency situations you have encountered during your next visit to make sure that she can follow up appropriately and develop a long-term care plan. Schedule your next appointment by calling our office today at (972) 325-2005 or requesting an appointment online.