First Aid for Parents: Essential Skills Everyone Should Know
As parents or caregivers, the safety and well-being of our children are always at the forefront of our minds. While we hope never to use them, first aid for parents skills are essential in ensuring we're prepared for any emergencies that might occur. This comprehensive guide will cover crucial first aid skills every caregiver should know, empowering you to act confidently and effectively in a crisis.
Understanding the Basics of First Aid for parents
First aid is the immediate care given to someone who is injured or suddenly falls ill. It includes simple techniques that can be life-saving and can prevent a situation from worsening before professional medical help arrives.
The ABCs of First Aid
Remember the ABCs of first aid: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. These are the critical life-saving steps:
Airway: Ensure the airway is clear. If the person is unconscious, gently tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
Breathing: Check if the person is breathing. Look for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek.
Circulation: If the person isn’t breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately.
Dealing with Common Injuries and Illnesses
Cuts and Scrapes
Minor cuts and scrapes are common in children. Clean the area gently with water, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage. For more severe cuts, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and seek medical attention.
Burns
For burns, run tepid (not cold) water over the area for a minimum of 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments. Cover the burn with cling film or burns dressing (Never use a bandage that can stick to the wound). Seek medical help immediately.
Choking
If a child (1-18 years) is choking and cannot cough, cry, or speak, commence up to 5 back blows, if that fails to clear the blockage commence up to 5 abdominal thrusts. For infants (0-1 years), use a combination of five back blows and five chest thrusts (like a chest compression but angled up toward the chin by 45 degrees). Seek medical help immediately.
Nosebleeds
Have the child sit upright and lean forward slightly. Pinch the soft part of their nose and hold it for 10-15 minutes. Encourage them to breathe through their mouth. Avoid having the child lean back, as this can cause blood to flow down the throat. Repeat this process for 30 mins – If the bleeding cannot be stopped seek medical help. You can try and place frozen peas in a tea towel and place them on the back of the neck. This may help to slow the bleeding.
Pro Tip – You can try and place frozen peas in a tea towel and place them on the back of the neck. This may help to slow the bleeding. If the nose is bleeding from both nostrils at the same time this will be difficult to stop at home.
Fever
For a mild fever, keep the child hydrated and dressed in light clothing. If the fever is high or persistent, consult a healthcare professional straight away.
CPR and Emergency Situations
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. For children, use one hand for chest compressions and breathe gently into their mouth. It’s crucial to learn CPR from a certified course to ensure you’re performing it correctly. For infants use two fingers in the centre of the chest and compress roughly one third (1/3) of the depth of the chest.
Seizures
If a child has a seizure lay them on the ground in a safe area and remove any nearby objects that could cause injury. Do not try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth. After the seizure, keep them on their side. If the child is not known to have seizures call 999 immediately. If they are known to have seizures follow their care plan. If in doubt always call 999.
Allergic Reactions
Identifying Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and lips, and hives.
Responding to Allergic Reactions
For mild reactions, antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. In the case of anaphylaxis (Face, mouth and tongue are swelling), use an adrenaline auto-injector if available and seek emergency medical help immediately.
NR Medical Training offer a specific course on managing anaphylaxis.
Poisoning
If you suspect a child has ingested something toxic, do not induce vomiting. Call the emergency services and provide as much information as possible about the substance ingested.
If you suspect a child has ingested a button battery, seek medical help immediately, even if you’re not sure.
Safety Precautions and Prevention
Childproofing
Prevent accidents by childproofing your home. Secure heavy furniture, keep hazardous substances out of reach, and ensure your home is a safe environment for children to explore.
Supervision
Always supervise young children, especially around water, fire, or in the kitchen. It’s easy for accidents to happen when children are left unattended.
Education
Educate older children about basic safety rules and first aid. Young people aged 14 years+ can undertake an accredited Qualsafe Awards first aid course. Younger children can still receive first aid training. NR Medical Training have the skills and experience to adapt the training so it’s suitable for the age group attending. Encouraging their awareness can help prevent accidents and prepare them to act in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
First aid for parents skills and training are an essential part of parenting and caregiving. While we hope never to face a serious emergency, being prepared can make all the difference. Consider taking a certified first aid training course from us to further enhance your skills and confidence. Remember, in any emergency, after providing first aid, seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
Your ability to respond quickly and effectively can prevent injuries from becoming more serious and can even save lives. By equipping yourself with these essential first aid skills, you're taking an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in your care.
