Toddler First Aid
Date :
Wednesday, November 02 2011
Source:
Autourina Mains
Toddlers are learning to balance and master walking so it’s no surprise that they end up with a lot of bumps and bruises. We can’t restrict them because they have to be able to explore their world and learn from it so the best thing to do is to make sure you know infant/toddler First Aid/CPR and some emergency basics like;
· If the toddler hits his/her head on the table or falls down and is bleeding, press the bleeding area with sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy and does not seem to stop, then wrap the gauze with a bandage to keep it in place and take the toddler to the hospital. He/she may need stitches. Observe the toddler for wheezing, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, groggy or lethargic
· If the toddler swallows soap or cleaning solution, DO NOT GIVE THE TODDLER ANYTHING TO INDUCE VOMITTING. Most cleaning solutions burn the esophagus going down and if you induce vomiting, then they’ll burn again as they come up. Call your local Poison Control immediately.
· If the toddler swallows something that is not sharp like a marble, a small plastic button (small and smooth), it usually passes through the body. You just need to watch the toddler for a couple of days after the swallowed object to make sure it does pass through and is visible in the stool. If the object is sharp like a needle, toothpick, nail, then take the child to the hospital. The toddler should be taken to the hospital if any metal object is swallowed as well (like money, button size batteries). Whenever a child swallows any object, monitor the toddler closely for wheezing, drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, coughing and fever as these are signs that there may be blockage.
· If the toddler gets a first degree burn (first degree burn is the mildest), cool the area by submerging it in cold water and ice or applying cold compress to the burned area for 15-20 minutes. Dry the area and cover it with clean gauze. DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL to the burned area. If the toddler is in pain, you can give him proper dosage of acetaminophen to help ease the pain. If there are blisters, you can apply antiseptic ointment and keep the area clean by covering it (not an easy task with toddlers).
· If the toddler gets a bloody nose, have him/her lean forward. Tell him/her to spit out any blood in his/her mouth. Talk to the toddler to keep him/her calm and use a clean cloth, Kleenex to pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes. After ten minutes check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding has not stopped, pinch the nose for another 10 minutes. Applying cold compress to the nose works well too. If these strategies don’t work and the bleeding does not stop, give the doctor a call.
It is a good idea to be proactive and take precautions such as:
· Covering the coffee table corners with corner protectors (available in most stores)
· Check the environment for items that may be choking hazards (things the toddler may swallow, like money, marbles, needles, nails, buttons, etc.) remember that they are at the sensory stage and everything goes in the mouth.
· During dry seasons (winter and hot summer days) run the humidifier to keep the air moist (to decrease nose bleeds)
· Keep your hot water heater under 120 degrees to avoid burns
· Keep all cleaning supplies out of reach of children
· Keep a first aid bag in several rooms as well as one in your vehicle and the outdoor space where the toddler plays.
· Update your First Aid/CPR training regularly
Perhaps the most important thing to remember during an emergency is to stay calm and cool. If you are not calm, then the toddler won’t be either. Always contact your pediatrician if you have questions.
Helpful Web Sites:
http://www.bearingofchina.com/s-CPR+Choking This website provides quick charts first Aid and CPR.
*Disclaimer: Author is not a licensed and practicing physician. Author is a child care provider speaking from training and experience.