Parenting First-Aid

All Parents/Carers should attend a first-aid course before or after the birth of their baby. Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime. These courses cover various topics including CPR, burns, fractures, cuts, and allergic reactions, and equip you with the knowledge & skills to respond.

First-aid knowledge can boost parent’s confidence in caring for their child and prevent severe injuries. In summary, attending a first aid course is crucial for parents to ensure their child's safety and well-being. We offer a variety of first-aid training options check out our webpage for more information - First Start

First Aid Library

Unless age is specified in the ‘Title Section’ the first-aid advice can be used for babies and children

Recovery Position (Birth - 1 Year):

This is the safest position for your child to be in if they were to be unresponsive but breathing - whilst you wait for the ambulance.

Never leave your baby on their back as they are at increased risk of vomiting and choking on their own vomit.

This is the safest position for your child to be in if they were to be unresponsive but breathing - whilst you wait for the ambulance. Do NOT move your child if you suspect a spinal injury (Fallen From A Height or Hit By Car/Motorcycle/Lorry etc)

Never leave your child on their back as they are at increased risk of vomiting and choking on their own vomit.

Recovery Position (1 - 18 Years):

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur suddenly after exposure to an allergen, such as certain foods, medications, insect bites or stings, or latex. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from person to person, but typically include:

  1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  2. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  3. Rapid or weak pulse

  4. Hives, itching, or rash

  5. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  6. Dizziness or fainting

  7. Loss of consciousness

If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal. If you have an Adrenaline Auto Injector, use it and call 999. Keep the child lying down and monitor for improvement or deterioration. If they deteriorate, consider using a second injector. If the child falls unconscious, check if they are breathing and place them in the recovery position. If the child is not breathing, start CPR. If you don't have an injector, call 999 and give age-appropriate Piriton if the child can swallow. Monitor for changes and follow the same steps if the child falls unconscious or stops breathing.

Anaphylaxis:

Children may get bitten by other children or animals, which can cause damage to the tissues and increase the risk of infection due to the germs in the mouth. It's important to seek medical attention for any bite at the nearest Walk-in Centre or call 999 for an ambulance if necessary. Depending on the severity and cause of the bite, the wound may need to be cleaned and stitched in theatre, and the child may be given antibiotics to prevent infection. The healthcare staff will also assess any risks of Tetanus, Rabies, or HIV/AIDS and treat accordingly.

Here are some first aid tips:

  • Reassure the child

  • Wash the bite with soap and water

  • Control any bleeding,

Bites (Animal/Human):

Bumps and bruises are common in toddlers and usually don't require treatment. However, if a child falls from a raised surface, they should be checked by a healthcare professional. Bumps appear as a lump and bruises cause discoloration under the skin. Apply a cool pack or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth to the area for 10 minutes and repeat three times in the next 24 hours. Give regular Calpol/Paracetamol Suspension as per manufacturers guidelines. If the bump is to the head, observe for signs of concussion.

Bumps & Bruises:

Burns and Scalds are one of the common reasons for admission to A&E departments in the UK. Babies/toddlers are most at risk due to their movements being erratic especially when being held by a parent/carer who is at the same time holding a hot drink. Burns are caused by the skin coming into contact with a hot solid object (hair straightener are the No.1 cause of burns in children in the UK). Scalds are caused when the skin comes into contact with hot liquids or steam (hot drinks are the No.1 cause of scalds in children in the UK)

To effectively treat a burn/scald.

  1. Cool the area under tepid running water for 20 minutes. If water is not available, bottled water, juice, or milk can be used. Remove any clothing or jewelry on the same limb, but leave any clothing stuck to the burn in place. Do not pop any blisters or apply any lotions or creams to the burn.

  2. Cover the burn with clear film, a sandwich bag, or non-adherent dressing to provide pain relief and prevent infection.

  3. Seek medical attention by calling 999 or going to the nearest Walk-in-Centre or A&E department, as it is important to have all burns assessed by a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment, reduce scarring, and potentially refer to a specialist burns service.

Burns & Scalds:

If a baby is choking this is an incredibly scary moment for parents, we need to clear babies airway or we will end up performing CPR.

Signs of choking:

  • They will try to cough but no noise will be coming out

  • Their face will be initially pale, then may start to turn blue-ish

  • Their eyes will be wide with panic

To clear a baby's airway if they are choking, first try up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. If the item is still blocking their airway, call 999 and give up to 5 chest thrusts by pressing down on the middle of the baby's chest with two fingers. If the item is still stuck, alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until help arrives or the baby becomes unresponsive and you need to start CPR. Bruising may occur but is not harmful. A healthcare professional should check the baby after chest thrusts due to a small risk of organ puncture.

Choking Baby (Birth - 1 Year):

To assess if a child is choking, ask if they can speak. If they can, their airway is partially blocked, and encourage them to cough. If they can't speak or cough, lean them forward and hit between their shoulder blades up to five times. If the obstruction is still there, call 999 and perform abdominal thrusts up to five times. If successful, get medical help due to the risk of organ puncture. If unsuccessful, alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until medical help arrives or the child becomes unresponsive.

Choking Child (1 - 18 Years):

For babies and toddlers, falling and getting grazes or cuts is common. Here's what you can do at home:

  1. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a piece of gauze or cloth and lifting the limb for 5-10 mins.

  2. Clean the cut with clean water-soaked gauze or a fresh wound cleansing wipe, avoiding removing anything impaled in the wound.

  3. Apply a small amount of antiseptic cream and a plaster if necessary. Avoid using aerosol wound sprays. Remove the plaster after 24 hours and monitor the wound for any signs of infection. See a doctor if there are any concerning symptoms.

Cuts, Grazes & Wounds:

Drowning is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency and can occur with just a couple of centimetres of water. Here is some first aid advice for drowning in children:

  1. Remove the child from the water immediately if possible, while making sure to protect yourself from any danger.

  2. Check for breathing and pulse. If the child is not breathing, start rescue breaths and chest compressions (CPR) immediately. If the child has a pulse but is not breathing, give rescue breaths.

  3. Call for emergency medical services (EMS) and continue performing CPR until help arrives.

  4. If the child regains consciousness, keep them warm and stable until EMS arrives.

  5. Even if the child appears to be fine, they should still be taken to the hospital for evaluation as secondary drowning can occur up to 24 hours after the incident.

  6. Remember that prevention is the best approach to drowning. Always supervise children closely around water, teach them to swim at a young age, and make sure they wear life jackets when boating or participating in water sports.

Drowning:

If your child has a foreign body in their ear, follow these steps:

  1. Stay calm and reassure the child to prevent them from getting more anxious.

  2. Do not try to remove the object with tweezers or any other tool as it may push the object further inside the ear canal and cause more damage.

  3. If the object is small, such as a bead or a grain of sand, you can try tilting the child's head to the affected side and gently shaking it to see if the object falls out. If this does not work or object remains in the ear canal, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional, who will have the right tools to remove it safely and without causing further harm to the child's ear.

Foreign Body In Ear Canal:

Febrile convulsions occur when a child's high temperature causes fits or convulsions due to an underlying infection. These seizures can be distressing as the child's arms and legs twitch uncontrollably, eyes roll, and they lose awareness. They are common in children aged 6 months to 3 years and not linked to epilepsy. If your child has a febrile convulsion, call 999 for an ambulance, time the seizure, protect them from harm, remove their clothes, talk to and reassure them, place them in the recovery position when the seizure ends, and monitor them until help arrives

Febrile Convulsions or Seizures:

If your child’s finger gets caught in a door, follow these first aid steps:

  1. Stay calm and reassure your child.

  2. If the finger is severely trapped or there is excessive bleeding, call emergency services immediately.

  3. If the finger is only mildly trapped, carefully try to remove it by gently easing the door in the opposite direction.

  4. Once the finger is free, clean the wound with soap and water and apply a sterile dressing.

  5. Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

  6. Seek medical attention if the wound appears to be infected/if there is any loss of sensation/movement in the finger or you are concerned

Fingers Trapped In Door:

Foreign objects in the eye are a common occurrence, especially in children, and can range from grit and dirt to even a loose eyelash. Fortunately, in most cases, this can be managed at home by following some simple steps.

First Aid Advice:

• Reassure the child and encourage them to avoid rubbing the affected eye. The eye may appear red, and the child may report pain or discomfort.

• Gently separate the eyelids and ask the child to look in different directions (up, down, left, and right). This will help you check if there is anything visible on the white of the eye (sclera). If you see anything, you can try to wash it out by gently pouring clean, cold water over the eye. Alternatively, an eyewash can also be used. To do this, have the child hold a bowl by the side of their head to catch the water, tilt their head, and pour water from the inside of the eye to the outside. The child will blink, and if successful, they may not need to be checked out, unless there are concerns.

• If the washing has been unsuccessful, take the child to a Walk-in Center for assessment, and if necessary, removal of the foreign object.

Foreign Body In Eye:

It's common for toddlers and children to put things in their noses, ears, or other places they shouldn't. As a parent, you may have experienced this and found it distressing. Fortunately, there's a safe technique called the "Mother's Kiss" that you can use to remove most objects from a nostril.

First Aid Advice: • First, locate which nostril the object is in. • Then, either sit the child down or lay them on your lap. Use your finger to block the clear nostril. • Create a seal around the child's mouth with your lips and give one forceful puff of air into their mouth. If successful, the object will shoot out of the nostril. You can repeat this a couple of times. • Depending on the object, there may be a small nosebleed. Use "Nosebleeds" for advice on how to deal with a nosebleed. Your child doesn't need to go to the hospital unless you've tried three times and are unable to clear the obstruction, or if your child becomes distressed during the process. In such cases, hospitals have different techniques that they can use.

Foreign Body Up Nostril:

Head injuries in children and babies can be quite common, but it is important to take them seriously and monitor your child carefully. Here are some steps you can take for minor head injuries:

  1. Stay calm and reassure your child. A calm and reassuring presence will help your child to stay calm and minimize any further distress or upset.

  2. Check for any bleeding or swelling. Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling if there is any, and keep a close eye on the injury for the next 24 hours. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops.

  3. Watch for any signs of concussion, such as vomiting, lethargy, or a change in behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

  4. Monitor your child for the next 24 hours. Keep a close eye on your child's behavior and activity level, and be sure to contact a medical professional if you notice any changes.

  5. If you are unsure about the severity of the injury, seek medical attention. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to head injuries, and a medical professional can help you determine if your child needs further treatment.

Minor Head Injuries:

First Aid Advice for Insect Bites and Stings in Children:

  1. Remove the stinger: If the stinger is visible on the skin, use a flat-edged object like a credit card or a fingernail to scrape it off. Do not use tweezers as this may squeeze more venom into the skin.

  2. Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any bacteria.

  3. Apply a cold compress: Use a cold, damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling and pain.

  4. Elevate the affected area: If the sting is on an arm or leg, keep it elevated to reduce swelling.

  5. Provide pain relief: Give your child age-appropriate pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the recommended dosage.

  6. Observe for signs of an allergic reaction: Watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or a rash. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

  7. If the sting is in the mouth or throat, seek medical attention immediately.

  8. If your child has a history of severe allergic reactions, carry an epinephrine auto-injector and administer it according to the instructions on the device.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Encourage your child to wear protective clothing when outside, use insect repellent, and avoid areas where insects are known to nest or swarm.

Insect Bites & Stings:

First Aid Advice for Nosebleeds in Children:

  1. Keep the child calm and reassure them.

  2. Ask the child to lean forward slightly and pinch their nose just below the bony part with your fingers.

  3. Apply pressure for 10 minutes. Check the time and do not release the pressure during this time.

  4. After 10 minutes, release the pressure and see if the bleeding has stopped. If it hasn't, reapply pressure for another 10 minutes.

  5. While waiting for the bleeding to stop, make sure the child breathes through their mouth.

  6. Do not let the child blow their nose or sniff as this can dislodge any clots that may have formed and cause the bleeding to start again.

  7. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes of pressure, or if it's particularly heavy or frequent, seek medical attention.

  8. Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid any activities that could cause the nose to bleed again, such as blowing the nose or rubbing it vigorously.

  9. Encourage the child to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for a few hours after the nosebleed has stopped.

Note: If the nosebleed was caused by a blow to the head or a fall, and the child experiences other symptoms like loss of consciousness or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.

Nosebleeds:

Sepsis is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. You may have heard it referred to as septicaemia or blood poisoning. Meningitis is a type of sepsis. It can be difficult to spot the signs of sepsis, as there are many possible symptoms and different causes. These can include urosepsis (urinary tract infection), chest sepsis (chest infection), or ear infection. The most important thing to remember is that if you suspect your child has sepsis, you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department for immediate medical attention.

Common signs of sepsis in children include:

• Changes in skin colour, such as blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin. If your child has darker skin, check the palms of their hands or soles of their feet for any changes.

• A rash that does not disappear when you press a glass against it. This is a sign of meningitis (see picture below).

• Difficulty breathing, such as flaring nostrils, grunting noises, or skin that appears to be "sucking in" under the ribcage. Your child may also be breathing very quickly compared to their normal breathing rate.

• An unusual high-pitched cry that is not typical for your child.

• Sleepiness or difficulty waking up.

• No wet nappy for 12 hours.

• High or low body temperature (below 36°C or above 38°C).

Sepsis Awareness:

If a small splinter becomes embedded under the skin's surface, it may be made of wood, metal, or glass. If the end of the fragment is visible, you may remove the splinter using a pair of tweezers. However, if you suspect that the splinter may be glass or metal, it's best to take the child to the nearest walk-in center, as some fragments may remain in the wound and cause further problems. If you can't see the end of the splinter or the child becomes distressed, you can apply some Magnesium Sulphate Paste to the area where the splinter is and cover it with a plaster. This will help draw the splinter out.

First Aid Advice:

• Use soap and water to gently clean the skin around the splinter. You can soak the affected area in warm water to encourage the splinter to come to the surface of the skin.

• With a pair of tweezers, grasp the end of the splinter and pull it out with a steady motion.

• Gently press the area to flush the wound and clean it again with soap and water. Apply a small amount of antiseptic and cover it with a small plaster.

• DO NOT use a needle or sharp object, as this will be painful, distress the child, and increase the risk of infection. If the splinter does not come out completely, go to the walk-in center.

Splinters:

f a baby or child has swallowed a battery, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if they do not appear to be in distress. This is because batteries can cause serious internal injuries, particularly if they get stuck in the digestive system.

Here are the steps to take:

  1. Call for emergency medical assistance right away by dialling 999 or the local emergency number.

  2. Do not induce vomiting or give the child anything to eat or drink.

  3. If you can, identify the type of battery that was swallowed, as this will help the medical professionals to provide the most appropriate treatment.

  4. Keep the child calm and monitor their breathing and general condition until help arrives.

It is important to note that some types of batteries can be more dangerous than others. For example, button batteries are small and easy to swallow, and can cause severe injuries in a short amount of time. If you suspect that a child has swallowed a button battery, seek medical attention immediately.

Swallowed A Battery:

It's crucial to keep medicines and household chemicals out of reach of children, ideally in locked cabinets or high shelves with safety lids on. Avoid decanting liquids into other containers as this can lead to confusion and accidents.

  • In case of suspected ingestion, take your child immediately to the nearest emergency department, bringing along the item or packaging if possible.

  • Do not offer any food or drink, and do not induce vomiting.

  • Monitor your child for any signs of deterioration and keep them awake while ensuring they are still breathing.

  • If your child becomes unresponsive, call 999 and put them in the recovery position while monitoring their breathing.

  • If they stop breathing, start CPR while waiting for the ambulance.

  • If the child has swallowed chemicals, make sure to clean their mouth before performing rescue breaths to avoid chemical burns.

Swallowed Medicines Or Household Chemicals:

Disclaimer: The first aid advice provided is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard in the first aid advice provided. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The author and publisher of this content are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures mentioned in this content.