First Aid Basic Skills Every Parent Should Know

As a parent, keeping your child safe is a top priority. Even though you rely on your pediatrician for your child’s health and well-being, there are bound to be moments when having some basic first-aid skills may come in handy. And, depending on the situation, you may even find them to be life-saving. 

Here are the basic first-aid skills every parent should know. 

Cuts and Scrapes

Kids love to run and play which means cuts and scrapes are bound to happen. Here’s what you will need to do: 

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before assisting the wound. And, if possible, put on gloves. Next, use water to rinse away any debris and gently wash the wound with an antiseptic solution, or just soap and water. 

Apply antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage. This will keep debris and bacteria from getting into it.

Repeat these steps daily until it looks like it is starting to heal and then leave the bandage off to allow air to get to it. This can help in the healing process. 

If it becomes red, swollen, or sore, or if you notice that it is draining pus, contact your pediatrician right away. 

Choking

Choking can happen often with little kids. You must know what to do in this situation. 

A child who is choking, but can cough, talk, and is still conscious should be encouraged to keep coughing to clear their airway. Stay calm so your child stays calm — and refrain from patting on the back as this could make matters worse.

A child who is choking and becomes unable to cough, talk, or make any noise while remaining conscious requires the Heimlich maneuver. Call 911 and, if you know how to do this technique, do it. 

Choking with loss of consciousness and no breathing warrants CPR. If you know how to do it, start it right away and call 911.

Sprains and Strains

Note: If your child’s injury involves the back, neck, or head, call 911.

Sprains and strains are common in highly active kids. Sprains involve ligaments and strains involve muscles and tendons. When these things get pulled, overstretched, or partially torn, it can lead to pain, as well as bruising and swelling. 

It is not easy to determine whether it is a strain or sprain – or a broken bone. This is why it is always good to seek medical attention for these types of injuries. An X-ray will let the doctor know how to proceed. 

Be sure to have your child rest the injury for at least 24 hours while keeping the area elevated. Icing for a few minutes each hour for a couple of days will help keep swelling at bay. 

Additional First-Aid Tips

Finally, before we go, here are a few additional tips to keep your little one safe. 

• Invest in a first-aid kit or create your own — and place it somewhere accessible 
• Keep a list of all important information and phone numbers
• Talk to your child about 911 and make sure they know how to make the call if necessary
• Consider taking a CPR or first-aid class 
• If you are questioning whether or not you are dealing with a serious injury, seek medical attention

The more you are prepared for a situation, the easier it will be to get through it successfully.