Important Tips for First Aid for Kids

First aid procedures are necessary to know when helping children who have the misfortune of getting injured.  The calm way in which you handle these problems will help the child become less frightened whether it is a scrape, insect bite or allergic reaction.  The following important tips gives basic first aid instruction for minor injuries.

1.  Allergic reactions:  Allergic reactions usually appear as hives or itching.  The most common treatment for hives is an antihistamine, such as Benadryl.  Try to have your child avoid the things that he/she may be allergic to.  This may include certain drugs, insect stings and foods such as nuts and milk.

2.  Animal bites:  Most animal bites just scratch the surface of the skin and can be cleaned with soap and water and have an antibiotic ointment applied.  Serious bites that break through the skin should be seen by a physician.  Rabies may be a concern and this needs to be treated.  To prevent situations such as this, it is best not leave young children unattended around animals and teach them to avoid stray animals. 

3.  Insect stings:  Most insect stings cause minor reactions such as itching, redness, slight pain and swelling.  If a stinger can be seen, it is best to remove it by scraping it with a credit card or dull blade.  Do not squeeze it when trying to remove it.  If the insect was poisonous seek medical help.

4.  Sunburn:  Sunburn pain usually occurs within a few hours after exposure to the sun.  To control the pain, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a couple of days.  You can also apply a moisturizer, 1% hydrocortisone cream and wet compresses.  To avoid this situation, always apply sunscreen to children/adults, wear protective clothing and limit exposure to the sun during its strongest hours.

5.  Bleeding wounds:  Minor scrapes can cause bleeding to occur.  When this happens, use a clean cloth to apply firm pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.  If bleeding stops, gently wash the wound with soap and water, cover with an antibiotic and a sterile dressing.  The wound should be washed with new antibiotic and clean dressing applied daily.  A physician should be called if the wound is deep and doesn’t stop bleeding or if it gets infected.