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For bumps and bruises

Explain that bumping into something can cause bleeding under the skin – which is a bruise. Apply an ice pack to the bruise to prevent swelling and reduce pain. Show your child where you keep the ice pack and how to wrap it in a towel, so the ice isn’t directly on the skin.

• Call for help if … your child has a head injury and is acting strangely or experiencing nausea, vomiting, confusion or vision changes.

For cuts

If your child has a cut, teach him to use a clean cloth to put pressure on it to slow bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

• Call for help if … the cut is deep, will not stop bleeding, has something stuck in it or if you can see ligaments or bone.

For sprains and broken bones

Any time a broken bone is suspected, your kids should ask for help from an adult. Teach them to not touch the injured area and to apply ice while waiting for help.

• Call for help if … the bone is bent or sticking out or if you cannot move or put weight on the injured area.

For burns

If your child has a mild burn, run it under cool tap water for 15 minutes and repeat as needed. Do not apply ice directly to the wound. If the burn blisters, ask your child to leave it alone as much as possible as this will help with the healing process.

• Call for help if … the injury makes your child unable to move. If the injury is waxy looking or bigger than the palm of your hand, seek medical attention.

For bug bites and stings

If your child has a bug bite, wash the area and apply ice for swelling and pain. You can also apply calamine lotion to help with itching.

• Call for help if … your child has an allergic reaction to a sting or bite.

For choking

If someone is choking, remain calm and ask the person questions. If he can answer, he is still able to breathe. If he is coughing, wait and see whether he can clear the airway on his own. Older children can be taught how to do the stomach thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver) to help dislodge the item choking them. Older children also can be taught how to perform stomach thrusts on others.

• Call for help if … someone is struggling to breathe and is unable cough or speak. In that case call 911.

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First aid is an important life skill for anyone to have, and it is never too early to begin teaching basic skills. You can model what to do in an emergency situation by remaining calm and talking your child through minor injuries. For other emergencies, like fire safety and broken bones, you can use role playing to help kids understand what to do. Set a date on your calendar at least once a year to go over first aid, fire safety and what to do in an emergency. This regular practice will help your children remember what they learned and remain calm if they are faced with one of these situations.

 

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When to Call 911

Teaching children how to call 911 in an emergency could save a life. Try role playing with your kids so they know what to expect. Make sure your kids know that even though they shouldn’t give personal information to strangers, it’s OK to trust the 911 operator. Be sure they can say their first and last name, and provide their address or location. Also, make sure they understand that 911 should only be called if there’s an actual emergency, and never be called for practice, as a joke or for any other non-emergency reason. 

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DO call 911 when:

• you see a fire or an explosion

• someone is struggling to breathe or choking

• someone is unconscious

• you see a robbery or someone breaks into your house

• one of your friends has an allergic reaction to a bee sting or food

• there is a car accident

• there is a natural disaster like an earthquake, a flood, or a landslide

• a stranger is following you home from school

 

DON’T call 911 when:

• your pet is sick or lost

• you’re practicing a fake emergency

• your big brother is picking on you

• you’re lonely and bored

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