Broken Bones in Children
It is frequently difficult to distinguish between a sprain (injury to soft tissues, either ligaments or muscle around a joint) and a fracture (broken or cracked bone). Children’s bones are softer than adults and are therefore more liable to bend. In a young child the break may be incomplete (like a spilt along one side rather than a complete break) and it is referred to as a greenstick fracture. In general, fractures in children heal well without deformity.
Read MoreBleeding in Specific Areas
Scalp
Apply a dressing that is larger than the wound; then bandage it securely in position. Use a large doughnut pad if you suspect an underlying fracture or a foreign body in the wound. Then, you should get medical help.
Ear Canal
Cover the ear loosely with a pad or dressing. Lay the child down sit with his head slightly raise and inclined to side of injury. If unconscious, take him to a hospital immediately.
Read MoreHow to Treat Bleeding
A wound may be incised (by a sharp instrument), lacerated (by an object with jagged edge), contused (by a blow or fall, or by crushing), or punctured (by a sharp, pointed instrument). The wound requires special treatment only if it is large, bleeds profusely or persistently, or threatens an important structure such as an eye or a nerve.
Severe bleeding
Severe bleeding requires medical attention immediately, so get the child to a hospital emergency room or call a mobile unit. Meanwhile, apply direct pressure to the child’s wound with your fingers. Maintain the pressure and lay him down in a comfortable position. To help reduce the bleeding, the part should be elevated, unless a broken bone is suspected. Then apply a pad of clean material to the wound and bandage it firmly in position. If blood soaks through apply another dressing on top. Do not remove the original dressing.
If there is a foreign body in the wound, or a broken bone is sticking out, it will not be possible to apply direct pressure. In these cases, pressure can be applied with the fingers to the side of the wound nearest to the heart. If the foreign body is loose it can be carefully lifted out of the wound, but never attempt to remove a deeper foreign body, you may cause more serious damage.
Read MoreTreating Animal Bites
Animal Bites
There is always the possibility that an animal bite is infected so, if the skin has been pierced, it should be taken seriously. Being bitten by an animal can be very frightening, so treat the child if he is suffering shock. Then wash the wound thoroughly and apply a clean cloth or dressing. Take the child to a hospital so that the wound can be properly cleaned and a booster tetanus injection given.
Read MoreArtificial Respiration
When the child is not breathing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be used in almost all circumstances except where there is severe injury to the face and mouth. Get someone to seek medical help urgently. Meanwhile remove any obstructions and vomit from the child’s mouth. Keep his air passages open by placing him on his back, raising his neck, and tilting his head backward. Keep his chin pressed upward. Loosen his clothing around the neck and waist. The child may begin to breathe again when the air passages have been cleared. If he does, place him in the recovery position and watch him carefully until medical help arrives.
Read MoreRecovery Position
This position is used when the child is unconscious but is breathing and has a pulse. To put the child in the recovery position, turn him gently onto his side. Draw up the upper arm until it makes a right angle to the body and bend the knee. Draw out the lower arm gently backward to bend down clear of the body. Bend the lower knee slightly. Make certain the head is kept on one side.
It is also important to see that the mouth is not blocked by blood, vomit, or foreign bodies (clear it with your fingers if necessary); that tight clothing at the neck, chest, and waist is loosened; and that there is good ventilation.
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