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Basic first aid every parent should know

Basic first aid 2 Mums and dads learn to expect the unexpected during the first few years of parenting, so it helps to know basics when it comes to first aid. Every parent should learn CPR for kids, and how to deal with choking etc, but here are a few more first aid situations that parents should know about:

Nose bleeds

•    Sit the casualty down, leaning forward.

•    Advise them to pinch the nose firmly just below the bony part, which will help to stop the bleeding and still allows the casualty to breathe.

•    Maintain pinch pressure for 10 minutes.

•    Release pressure after 10 minutes. If bleeding is not controlled reapply pressure for a further 10 minutes.

•    An ice pack applied to the nose area may be useful.

•    When bleeding has stopped don’t blow the nose for four hours.

•    If bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes, seek medical assistance.

Poisoning

A poison is a substance that causes harm when it enters the body. Poisons can enter the body through the skin by absorption or injection, the lungs or through the mouth.

Identify and assess poisoning

The signs and symptoms of poisoning will vary according to the type of poison and how the poison has entered the body.

     Look for: Basic first aid
•    Vomiting

•    Burned lips and mouth

•    Skin rash or swelling

•    Breathing difficulties

•    Altered level of consciousness

•    Seizures

Find out what, when and how much poison has been taken. Always save any remaining poison, poison container or vomit for medical personnel to check.

 Manage poisoning

•    Remove the casualty from the poison or the poison from the casualty. Ensure your own personal safety.

•    If life threatening, dial 111 for an ambulance. (e.g. bleeding, unconsciousness, breathing difficulties).

•    If not in immediate danger, call 0800 POISONS (0800 764 766) for advice from the Poisons Centre. Administer treatment advice.

•    If the casualty has burns around the mouth, use mouth to nose technique if resuscitation is required. 

•    If the poison has entered through the lungs or been swallowed, keep your head clear of the casualty when they exhale, during rescue breathing.

•    Check the poison container for type of poison and any instructions on managing poisoning. Keep for medical personnel. 

•    DO NOT give casualty water or milk unless a corrosive agent (such as acid or alkaline) has been taken and unless instructed by a Poisons Centre Advisor.  

•    DO NOT induce vomiting.

Stings

•    Get away from the bees/wasps.

•    Scrape off the bee sting, or remove as soon as possible, using a ruler or piece of paper to limit venom injection. Do not pull out.

•    Wash the area well.

•    Rest and reassure the casualty.

•    Apply ice pack/cold compress to site for swelling and pain relief.

•    Monitor ABCs and give CPR as necessary.

•    If allergic, Dial 111 for ambulance.

•    Any stings to the eye, mouth, throat, face, neck, or genitalia should be medically assessed.

Burns and scalds

The skin of babies and young children burns very easily. Burns and scalds may require treatment for many years and can cause permanent scarring.

•    If your child gets burnt, cool the area quickly under cold or cool water for 20 minutes. Wrap the burn or scald loosely in clean cloth (e.g. a pillow case). Call your doctor for all burns. For severe burns call 111.

Information supplied courtesy of Plunket and The Red Cross.