What to do in case of accidents with children

Children are very prone to accidents during childhood. Falls, bumps and scratches are very common in their day to day, while they play, run or jump. Therefore, it is very important that parents are prepared to help them in case of accidents. Guiainfantil.com has prepared a range of information on ho

Children are very prone to accidents during childhood. Falls, bumps and scratches are very common in their day to day, while they play, run or jump. Therefore, it is very important that parents are prepared to help them in case of accidents. Guiainfantil.com has prepared a range of information on how to act when children choke, give a blow, twist their ankles, or suffer some other accident, while waiting for medical guidance.

How to help the child in case of an accident

Parents must be prepared to face all these home accidents. Knowing some tricks of first aid never hurts.

1. Intoxication due to toxic products. In case of poisoning, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible or consult an orientation service that the city where you live can offer. In Spain, for example, you can contact the Institute of Toxicology in Madrid, telephone (91) 562 04 20, to inform you about what you should do.

- If the toxic product has fallen on the child's skin, it must be washed with plenty of water.

- If the child is unconscious, has convulsions or has ingested a product such as bleach, oil or any of its derivatives, vomiting should not be caused under any circumstances.

2. Asphyxia. A very common mistake when the child has ingested something that should not be trying to remove the object with your fingers, something that you must try to avoid before a choking. If it is a very small child, you have to take it by the feet looking down, and hit it on the back at shoulder height. If, in spite of everything, you do not expel the object, you must be transferred urgently to a hospital center. In the case of an older child, it is best to take him directly to the doctor.

3. Fall. Children do not stop, and falls are normal. If it is a contusion or blow, it is advisable to put an ice bag or cold water on the affected area, while if the fall has gone beyond and there is a fracture, try to immobilize the damaged limb with a rigid object, such as a stick or stake, until you reach the hospital center.

4. Intoxication due to accidental drug taking. If the child has a small intoxication because of the medication, it can cause vomiting in the child, but as long as the ingestion is recent. If you can not, try to find out the type of medicine that the child has swallowed, whether it is liquid or in pills, as well as the amount and time elapsed until then. Immediately, you have to transfer him to a hospital center, providing them with the same information.

5. Electric shock. Plugs are something that usually draws attention to all children, so you should try to disconnect the power with the switch or try to remove the injured using insulating objects, such as wood, rubber ... except in cases of high voltage. Never try to touch it with your hands directly, because it could also suffer a shock. If you do not breathe, you can always use the technique of first aid, and, if there is cardiac arrest, perform an outside massage, until the doctor arrives.

6. Burns by fire. In case the child has burned, you should prevent him from running out and try to roll him on the ground, covering him with a blanket. Do not remove the remains of burned clothes, which are still attached to your skin. However, you should try to cure the burns with a sterile gauze or clean cloth. You should never apply ointments or home remedies without first consulting the doctor. The child should be immediately transferred to the hospital