First aid is a useful skill to have, but when you’re around children it becomes far more important, as accidents tend to happen more to children than adults. Here are four of the most common emergency situations involving children that you may encounter.

1. Falls

The effects of falling can range from bleeding and abrasions to sprains, fractures and head injuries. While injuries from falling can be treated with first aid, head injuries can be more serious. If a child experiences vomiting, loss of consciousness or difficulty communicating after suffering a blow to the head, you should call 000 immediately.

2. Choking

Seeing a child choke can be extremely distressing, especially for the child’s parents, but it is important to keep calm and identify the type of choking and its cause:

  • It may be caused by a complete obstruction, where the child is silent and the airway is completely obstructed.
  • It may also be caused by a partial obstruction, where the child is wheezing, coughing and having difficulty breathing.

The appropriate treatment will depend on the type of obstruction, but may involve back blows or CPR.

3. Febrile Convulsion

Febrile convulsions are seizures that occur in some children during a high fever. Although frightening, the seizures are usually not life-threatening and will normally stop on their own after a few minutes.

If your child has convulsions, lay them on their side or back on the floor and loosen any tight clothing. Do not attempt to restrain them, and take them to see a doctor at the first available opportunity. If the child has a seizure for more than five minutes, turns blue or vomits during a seizure, call an ambulance immediately.

4. Burns

If a child suffers a burn, remove any clothing or jewellery around the burned area (unless it is stuck to the skin) and run the burn under cold water.

If the burn is minor, apply a gauze bandage to the affected area. If blisters form do not pop them, as the fluid can act as a natural cushion to stop the affected area being touched.  If the burn is larger than a twenty-cent piece or is located on the hands, feet, face, groin or joint, call an ambulance immediately.

During an emergency situation, it’s important that you remain calm and that you have the correct skills and knowledge to provide appropriate treatment. If you’re considering receiving first aid training why not give us a call?


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