Emergency first aid

While parents obviously try their best to keep their children out of harm's way, there is still a risk of accident, when they would be required to perform emergency first aid procedures. This section gives a basic overview of some of first aid required for more common accidents such as burns, broken bones and choking.

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  First aid kit

  A home first aid kit is a must for any family and particularly those with children. Life is vere adventurous as far as children are concerned, so you need to be ready deal with accidents that will invariably happen in the normal scheme of things.
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  First aid: broken bones

  Rough play not infrequently results in broken bones. Children are most prone to greenstick fractures, where the bone doesn't break completely and there is minimal damage to the skin. Suspect a fracture if your child cannot move the affected area normally or without pain; if there is bruising...
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  First aid: burns and scalds

  Burns and scalds are usually described in terms of the amount of damage to the skin. Seek medical help for any burn on a child. If the burn is large, or deep, take her to hospital. Superficial burns are the least serious and can result from a minor spillage or touching a very hot surface....
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  First aid: choking

  If your child chokes on a piece of food, her airway can become blocked, she will be unable to get oxygen into her lungs and she may lose consciousness. If the blockage is mild, she will be able to cough, cry and breathe; if severe, she can't cough, breathe or make any sound. Normal breathing may...
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  First aid: clothing on fire

  If your child's clothing should catch fire, the first priority is to stop him moving as any rapid movement will make the flames worse.
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  First aid: electric shock

  Your child may get an electric shock from frayed flexes or wires, light switches, defective electrical appliances or from touching an appliance with wet hands. In severe cases your child may lose consciousness. In mild cases she may have burns - often at the point of entry and exit of the...
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  First aid: head injury

  This is a potentially serious injury. A blow to the head can cause injury to the skull or brain, and there may be delayed reaction to the injury hours or even days later. It's important, therefore, that you watch your child after any head injury.
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  First aid: hypothermia

  This is a condition that develops when the body temperature falls below a certain level - usually because of exposure to extreme cold outdoors or inadequate heating in your home. A baby who has become dangerously chilled will appear quiet, drowsy and limp and will refuse food. Her hands, feet...
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  First aid: heat exhaustion and heatstroke

  These can occur when the body becomes overheated. Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of body mineral salts. Heatstroke develops when the temperature control mechanism in the brain fails. Your child's temperature may rise above 40°C (104°F) and in extreme cases she may lose consciousness....
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  First aid: poisoning

  Accidental poisoning, through children swallowing cleaning or bathroom products is common, so you need to know what to do, in case.
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  First aid: serious bleeding

  Severe bleeding can lead to a serious condition called shock and eventually unconsciousness. Act quickly and calmly. If bleeding is severe treat for shock.
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  First aid: shock

  After a serious injury such as severe bleeding or burns, recurrent vomiting, severe diarrhoea or extreme pain or fear, a child may suffer from shock. Symptoms include: pale, cold, clammy skin; shallow and rapid breathing with yawning and sighing; sickness and vomiting; and, eventually...
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  First aid: unconsciousness

  If your child is unconscious and isn't breathing, she's at risk of brain damage and her heart may stop. If your child collapses, assess her condition quickly so you know what first aid treatment to give. If she is unconscious but still breathing, call for help and place her in the recovery...
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