Sometimes, it simply cannot be helped that accidents befall children no matter how much precaution parents take. From food allergies to swallowed toys and other objects, slips and falls, open wounds and burns, and suffocation among others; all are things to consider and know how to deal with. reasons to rush to the ER.
The time between the accident and getting to the A&E is very crucial. Should an emergency situation occur in your presence, will you be able to handle it?
The Urgency Of First Aid
For all the preparation that parents make to keep their children safe, being able to respond urgently to an emergency situation is not in their list of top priorities. It’s likely that parents generally find it difficult to even just imagine their children getting hurt, and so they would rather not think about the possibility at all.
This really is not the way to address it because by learning basic first aid you can be ready to help your child if/when they need it the most. It is the nature of accidents to occur when you least expect it, that’s why the only way for you to really keep your loved ones safe is by knowing even the most basic first aid skills. Our classes are not scary, we taylor them specifically towards parents and families because we understand how precious your children are to you.
First Response
As children are often near their parents, it would make sense to expect the parents to be the first responders in times of emergency. Especially for time-sensitive situations, such as in cases of choking, drowning, strangulation, or a bleeding wound, it’s crucial for you to act fast and act right.
The first thing you need to be is calm–hysterics and panic won’t be of much help and may only worsen the situation. Your child will need you to be their source of strength; you won’t be able to fulfill this role if you can’t keep it together.
Presence of mind and resourcefulness are also very important traits, especially if you are outdoors or in an area far from actual help. Broken limbs must be supported and immobilised to keep them from moving. Burns should immediately be put in cool water/liquid to alleviate the pain from the affected area and to stop the burn continuing.
Correct application of the chest or abdominal thrusts could effectively dislodge the item from the throat and clear the airway if someone is choking. This technique differs depending on the age of the child or adult.
Even the way you position the body of the injured is crucial in improving their chances for survival and prevention of further damage.
If you’re a parent who would like to keep your children safe at all times, you might start asking questions like, “Where can I find the nearest first aid courses near me?” You’d be relieved to know that companies like Daisy First Aid do offer these courses specifically for parents and children.
Sources:
3 Reasons Why Everyone Should Know the Basics of First Aid. SurvivalAtHome.com.
Parents to the Rescue. TheGuardian.com.