As much as we don’t like to think about it, our little ones are bound to hurt themselves at some stage. Whether it’s a small bump or something more serious, it’s a good idea to have a fully stocked first aid kit and the knowledge to use it.
As soon as our children can move, they can injure themselves and little falls and bumped elbows are par for the course. When we’re lucky, a plaster and a cuddle will do the trick. Sometimes it takes just a bit more care – and that’s where a good first aid kit can make all the difference.
Find out the most common injuries and the best way to treat them.
Common childhood injuries
Cuts and scrapes
If there is bleeding, hold a clean cloth over the abrasion for 15 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped. Cleanse the site with water, an antiseptic wipe or wound spray, then gently dry the surrounding skin area. If there is any easy to remove debris in the wound, remove with tweezers. If it’s too hard to remove, seek medical assistance. Cover the wound with a plaster. If the area is bigger than a plaster can handle, use a wound covering.
Burns
Hold the burned area under cool, running water, immediately. Make sure any small blisters are covered with a loose crepe bandage or plaster. Do not pop or otherwise damage the area. Antibiotic cream can be applied to ease healing.
Nosebleeds
Do not tilt your child’s head back. Have them lean forward while you pinch their nostrils closed continuously, for five to 10 minutes, while the bleeding stops. If the nosebleed is a result of trauma, an ice pack against the bridge of the nose may assist with swelling reduction.
Splinters
Apply warm water and soap to flush out the abrasion. If the splinter remains, use a sterilised pair of tweezers to remove it. Do not rush or you may push it in further or leave some of the splinter behind. After a day or so, it may come out by itself. In this case, a plaster for protection in the meantime is the best course of action.
Bites and stings
Remaining stingers from insects can be removed with a finger nail or similar. Using tweezers should be avoided, as they can release more venom into the site. An ice pack, followed by a topical cream, such as calamine lotion, will ease swelling and itching.
For more serious injuries, know your DRABC!
First Aid Kit Essentials
To treat all common injuries from accidents and illness, your first aid kit should contain the following basics:
- Antiseptic wipes or wound spray
- A child/infant thermometer
- Tweezers and small scissors
- Ice pack
- Rubbing alcohol to sterilise equipment
- Kids pain relief medication
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Calamine lotion
- Wound healing or antibiotic ointment
- Gauze for dressing wounds
- Adhesive tape
- A selection of bandaids and wound coverings in different sizes
- Cotton swabs
- Small, clean cloths
- Disposable, sterile gloves
- Child sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser
- Distilled water
- First aid instructions in case emergency measures are required
- A list of emergency contact numbers
Have you considered training in simple first aid? Knowing how to treat injuries means that you will be faster and more effective in the case of an emergency.
When to seek help
Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth. Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Content provided by Elastoplast
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