Curing what ails you - do's and don't's

With the nice weather, the kids are playing outside and may get injured more frequently. Keep a first-aid kit handy with the necessities and, when in doubt, seek medical attention. Whether it’s a fall off the bike, a nosebleed or a burn, here’s a guide for treating minor ailments that may arise:

BLEEDING NOSE:

DO have your child lean slightly forward and pinch the nose just below the bridge. Hold the pressure for 5-15 minutes until the bleeding has stopped. An ice pack may also help. Seek help if the bleeding does not stop.

DON’T tilt your child’s head back, as he may swallow blood.

CHOKING:

DO stand behind the victim, place one fist above the bellybutton, cup the fist with your other hand and push in and up toward the ribs five times. Call 911 if necessary.

DON”T give your child water to drink if she is choking or coughing.

BURNS:

DO place the burn under cool running water, submerge it in a bath or basin or apply a loose wet towel. For chemical, electrical or severe burns, go to the ER.

DON’T put ice on the burn as it may damage the skin, and do not apply

butter.

OBJECT IN EYE:

DO ask your child to blink several times to try to dislodge a foreign object in the eye. If that doesn’t work, rinse the eye by holding the lid open under a gently running tap (no contact lenses). If an object is imbedded, see a doctor.

DON’T let your child rub his eyes. Even a small particle of dirt can scratch the cornea.

BLOW TO THE HEAD:

DO call 911 if the child is unconscious. Ice on a small bump can help reduce swelling. If your child is bleeding, treat it as any other cut.

DON’T leave the child alone. If he is sleeping, wake him up every three to four hours and ask a simple question to make sure there is no concussion. Seek medical help.

POISON:

Do call Poison Control at 1-800-565-8161. Be ready to tell what substance was involved, how much was consumed and when, and the age and weight of the child.

DON’T wait for symptoms to appear. Call for help immediately. Do not induce vomiting and give ipecac as the poison may cause additional damage. Do not allow your child to eat or drink anything until you have spoken to a poison control professional.

SPRAIN:

DO apply and remove ice every 20 minutes during the first day of the sprain. Elevating the limb and wrapping it with an elastic compression bandage may help. Have your child stay off the injury for 24 hours, then applying heat may help. It may be a fracture or tear, so visit your doctor.

DON’T allow the child move the limb, strain it, work it or stand on it.

BEE STING:

DO remove the stinger by scraping it away from the skin with your fingernail or a plastic card. Wash the area with soap and water. Ice may reduce swelling and pain. Watch the child for signs of an allergic reaction that may result in anaphylactic shock and call 911 if this is happens.

DON’T use tweezers to remove the stinger as the pressure may squeeze more poison into the skin.

If you have not already taken an emergency first-aid course, contact your local Red Cross Society or St. John’s Ambulance. A few hours of training can save your child’s life in an emergency situation.

Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville