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Being a parent comes with the responsibility of ensuring your child’s health and safety in every situation.
While no one hopes for accidents, minor injuries and unexpected health emergencies are part of growing up.
Knowing basic first aid can help parents respond calmly and effectively, potentially saving a child’s life before professional help arrives.
Treating Minor Cuts & Scrapes
Children are naturally active, which means bruises, scrapes, and small cuts are common.
Clean the wound gently with clean water and mild soap.
Use an antiseptic solution to disinfect, and apply a plaster or sterile bandage.
Keep the wound dry and observe for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Handling Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be alarming but are usually harmless.
Have your child sit upright and lean slightly forward.
Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes and avoid lying down or tilting the head back.
If bleeding persists beyond 20 minutes or is the result of a head injury, seek medical help.
Burns & Scalds
For minor burns, hold the affected area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10-20 minutes.
Do not apply ice, butter, or toothpaste. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
For more serious burns or those covering a large area, contact emergency services immediately.
Choking Incidents
If your child is choking but can still cough or breathe, encourage coughing to clear the blockage.
If they cannot cough, speak or breathe, perform back blows followed by abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre), if trained.
Always seek medical advice after a choking episode.
CPR For Children
In case of unresponsiveness and no breathing, begin CPR.
For children over one year, use the heel of one hand for chest compressions.
Deliver 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Continue until professional help arrives.
Parents are encouraged to attend certified CPR training for children.
Fever & Seizures
If a child develops a high fever, use age-appropriate medication and keep them cool with light clothing.
In the case of a febrile seizure, lay the child on their side, ensure they are safe from injury, and do not restrain them.
Most seizures stop within a few minutes, but always seek medical evaluation.
Every household with children should have a well-stocked first aid kit, including antiseptic wipes, bandages, digital thermometer, and tweezers.
Parents should also keep emergency numbers handy and consider taking a certified paediatric first aid course.
Preparedness is the key to effective parenting in emergencies.
By learning essential first aid skills, parents can react swiftly and confidently, ensuring their children receive immediate and appropriate care when it matters most.
Also Read: How To Protect Children From Heat Stroke & Dehydration
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