Disclosure: collaborative post
Of all the parenting duties we have, we can feel that there’s a lot to learn. And being a parent is a constant lesson, and it’s when your child is stung by an insect or scraping the knee, that we may realise how little we know. Accidents will always happen, but it’s important to understand how to tend to these real issues right away.
Cleaning Minor Cuts
Your child is going to scrape their knee or cut themselves on something at some point. Having knowledge of wound care is crucial. Cleaning minor cuts is pretty straightforward. Firstly you need to stop the bleeding by a blind on a pressure using a clean cloth for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. If the cut is shallow, use an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage. Larger or deeper cuts require emergency care.
Performing CPR
Something that everybody should know how to do. And this is especially true in the current climate. You should first make sure that they are responsive, and shout for help. Afterwards, call 999. Make sure that you keep your face away from theirs, just in case there’s a risk of infection. Chest compressions are crucial, right now due to the coronavirus, it’s recommended that you do not give rescue breaths. And always follow the ABC of CPR. The stands for Airways, Breathing, and Circulation.
Relief From Choking
With children, if your child is coughing, and there’s food stuck in her mouth, their reflexes are working well to clear the airway. If they are making no noise, they may be choking. When you are helping a baby when choking, you need to give 5 blows to the back between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. For older children, it may be necessary to perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre. When performing this on a child, you may need to kneel behind them, instead of stand. Wrapping your arms around the child above the navel, making a fist with your hand, and then pressing hard into the abdomen using quick upward thrusts.
Treating Poisoning
If you suspect that your child has been poisoned, you have to firstly call 999, and take the child outside into fresh air. If your child is not breathing, you need to start CPR. Do not stop until they can breathe on their own.
Calming a Fever
While normal body temperature is different for everyone, if a child has a temperature of 38C or above, this is classed as a fever. They may feel hotter when you touch their chest or back, but make sure that you use a digital thermometer. You need to look for signs of dehydration, but if they are distressed or unwell, get medical advice right away. Usually, medication like Calpol or Nurofen can bring the temperature down. It’s important to remember that you do not panic. You need to make sure that they are as cool as possible, which could mean giving them a cool bath or giving them more fluids.
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