As per the previous post, this is a continuation on first aid for children article and how to protect them. Below are several scenarios on potential threats and dangers. If interested to read the first part, click here.Burns
Burns may be caused by fire, scalding, electricity and chemicals. Here are some tips on how treat them:
-Place the affected area under cool (not cold) water for 20 minutes.
-Remove constricting objects or clothes around the affected areas –as they are likely to swell.
-Bandage or place a sterilized dressing over the affected area. Note, cling film can do the trick as well.
-Do not remove the clothes/material placed over the burned areas since this may cause more damage.
-Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or a joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
-For second and third degree burns do not break the blisters and do not apply ointments. These might require medical assistance.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is an excessive rise in body temperature, typically up to 40C. The body’s cooling system simply isn’t able to cope. It may be caused by fever, exposure to hot weather/sunlight or simply whilst exerting a lot of physical effort during sports for example.
Children can easily become dehydrated and too hot, which can eventually lead to a heatstroke.
Signs and Symptoms of a heatstroke:
-High temperature of 40C+
-Dizziness and confusion.
– Hot and flushed skin.
– Altered level of consciousness.
How to act:
-Place child in cool area away from the heat.
-Remove outer clothes.
-Sponge them and fan them if possible.
– If you are planning to put the child in the bath tub do not leave them for too long since it may lead to hypothermia.
Shock
Shock is when the body organs aren’t receiving oxygen due to a circulation failure. This can be life threatening and should be treated accordingly. Shock can be the result of bleeding, burns, heatstroke, heart attack, trauma, poisoning and trauma.
Signs and Symptoms:
-Pale, clammy skin.
-Weak, rapid pulse.
-Nausea and vomiting.
-Sweating.
-Rapid, shallow breathing.
-Lack luster eyes and altered levels of consciousness.
How to act:
– Make the child comfortable and remove constricting clothing.
– Cover him with a blanket in order to maintain his body temperature.
– Unless a spinal cord injury is suspected, elevate legs 15 cm from the floor.
– Do not leave the child and reassure them, keep them calm.
– Regularly check the child’s breathing until medical services arrive.
Eye Injuries
Irrigate the child/infant’s eyes with fresh running water for 10 minutes. This will flush out liquid, chemicals or solid particles affecting the eyes.
If it is a bleeding eye wound, treat this as a life threatening emergency. Cover the wounded eye with bandages to control the bleeding and to minimize its movement; cover the un-injured eye before taking the child to the hospital. Do not attempt to remove any objects or particles from the eye.
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