15 First-Aid Tips for common kid Injuries

Injuries are a part and parcel of childhood. Let's look at some of the common injuries children face and how to deal with them. When a kiss and hug would do and when a trip to the doctor is warranted. 

List of common injuries and teaching first aid to kids:

1. Cuts: For minor cuts, clean the wound with a good antiseptic liquid and apply bandaid, if needed. For deep cuts, clean the area with water and antiseptic. Then cover with a gauze and bandage. If the cut is caused by a rusty object or is too deep and may require stitches, take your child to your doctor. 

2. Fractures: Hearing a snap upon injury, swelling, bruising, difficulty in moving the limb, or pain upon touching are all signs of a broken bone. Apply an ice pack immediately. Let your child not move the limb. Then take him/her to the doctor. If you suspect injury to the head, spine, or neck, rush to the doctor immediately. 

3. Burns: Show the affected part immediately under running water for 5 minutes or so. Never apply ghee, Haldi, etc. to the wound. Take your child to a doctor if the burn is more serious. 

4. Blister: Never pop the blister. Gently wash the area with warm water, dry it, and apply an antibacterial liquid or ointment like Betadine. Dress the area in gauze and tape. Change the dressing at least once a day. The blister will pop by itself and ooze out the pus. It is important to keep the area clean at this time, else the infection could spread to other parts of the body. 

5. Heat Stroke: Give your child a bath in cold water to cool down the body. Make sure to keep him warm after the body temperature drops. 

6. Splinter: Try to take out the splinter with the help of a tape or needle. Then, clean the area with soap and water. If you are unable to remove the splinter or notice signs of infection after a few days of removing it, speak to your doctor. 

7. Split lip: Use a clean cloth to apply pressure to the lip and stop the bleeding. Then, wash with soap and water to remove dirt particles. If the bleeding doesn’t stop even after 10 minutes or there is debris inside the wound, take your child to the doctor. 

8. Bee Sting: Take the sting out carefully using your fingernails. Apply a cold compress to ease the pain. 

9. Bleeding nose: Make your child lean his body and head forward so that the blood doesn’t go to his throat. Pinch together the soft part of his nose against the bony ridge using a soft damp cloth. Continue until bleeding stops. If the bleeding persists beyond 15 minutes, or there is too much blood loss, seek medical help. 

10. Black eye: A cold compress applied for 15 to 20 minutes should help in giving relief. 

11. Sprain: Use the Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) technique. Apply ice packs for 12 minutes on then 15 minutes off. Bind the injured limb with an ace bandage and keep it elevated. However, if your child is unable to walk or move his limb, it is better to see your doctor. 

12. Choking: Try to get the food out by asking your child to cough it out. If she is not successful, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the patient, wrap your arms around them such that both fists are below their navel while the thumb is protruding. Exert pressure till the food particle comes out. 

13. Friction burns: Clean the skin with mild soap and water. Remove any debris and apply the antiseptic liquid. Cover with gauze and tape. If you notice signs of infection, contact your doctor. 

14. Broken tooth: Take the tooth by the crown, wash off the roots with water. Place it back in place. If you are unable to place it back, keep in a container of milk and see your doctor immediately so that he can fix it back. 

15. Head injuries: Head injuries should not be taken lightly. Any signs of giddiness, headache, blurred vision, or speech should be immediately referred to a doctor. 

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