Clinicians  working in a family practice are confronted with a huge number of cases of burns, stings, bruises and bites. However, parents have traditionally solved these types of problems without taking their children to an emergency room.

Nowadays, there are amazing first aid kits in the market. Many of them are assembled to meet the needs of families with children or for other specific purposes.

First aid first means safety first

The first thing families with children should learn about is safety. Preventing an accident is better than responding to one. Regarding children, however, we know that is almost impossible to have a completely accident-free environment. Consequently, parents should know something about first aid. First they should remember that children are often not able to express clearly what they feel or what have happen. Perhaps they were injured seriously for first time and therefore parents should learn to analyze the situation without necessarily asking what has happened.

Stings and bites

If you live in a place where insects could sting or bite your child, your first aid kit should include anti-swelling, instant ice packs, pain reliever, aseptic towels and an anti-inflammatory lotion. Remember that the reaction to a sting or a bite can be local (less severe) or systemic, which affects the function of the lungs or the heart. In the latter case, parents should call immediately the emergencies services, since a further diagnosis and treatment is very probably required. Symptoms of a systemic shock are abdominal or chest pain, dizziness, hives and difficulties breathing.

If there is simply a stinger, remove it gently and disinfect the region carefully. Protect it with an adhesive strip for at least one day. If it itches or hurts, an instant ice pack will be of some relief. Just don’t apply it directly to the skin.

Sunburn

Sunburns can equally be avoided but parents cannot completely discard that they will happen. For this case apply compresses or moisturizing gel. Aloe Vera is very effective in this case. If the pain is too intense, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used. As in the previous case, search professional medical advice if you think the burn is too severe.

Of course, there are other injuries and ailments that affect your child.  A basic first aid course for infants and children can be a life saver, and can enable the parent to feel more confident in any situation where their children are.

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