First Aid for Kids: 10 Essential Techniques to Help Your Child

Every parent knows the importance of being prepared for the unknown. Even if you always keep a careful eye on your child, they will find a way to fall, scrape a knee, or otherwise put themselves in dangerous situations. While prevention is always the starting point, having a good understanding of first aid for kids is a critical skill every parent needs to have.

First aid for kids is not a single step or process. Rather, it requires carefully assessing situations, determining the most important first step, and then working consistently to preserve life and create stability. To achieve these goals, you need a few tips and strategies that can make a profound difference in your ability to protect a child.

The following are 10 types of first aid for kids to master. Depending on the situation, any of these could be critical to protecting your child’s well-being.

#1: First Aid for Kids Having Allergic Reactions

Children consuming or coming into contact with substances can cause unexpected allergic reactions. If your child is engaging in any of the following, they may be having an allergic reaction:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Hives, or small red areas on their skin
• Hoarseness
• Weak pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing

Allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Follow these steps:

• Call 911 immediately for help if it is a severe reaction in which breathing or loss of consciousness occurs.
• Maintain an open airway for the child. If they stop breathing or their heart stops, use CPR while you wait for help.

In mild reactions, keep the area clean and call their doctor. Avoid using any type of medication that’s new to the child until you speak to the doctor to determine the underlying cause of the allergic reaction.

#2: First Aid for Kids with Poisoning

Kids can get into anything, whether it’s makeup, alcohol, or chemicals, from under the sink. Poisoning can range in severity and requires careful reaction to ensure your child receives the right level of care. If you suspect ingestion of poisonous substances, follow these steps:

• Clear the child’s airway and remove any substance still in their mouth. If possible, have them spit it out.
• Call 911 as a first step if the child is struggling to breathe, loses consciousness, or convulses.
• If the exposure is not life-threatening, call poison control. They will determine the specific treatment needed based on the type of exposure.
• If a child swallowed a battery, call 911 or get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
• If the child inhales toxic fumes or chemicals, move them to an area with fresh air. If they stop breathing, start CPR as soon as you reach the outdoors.

It is not advisable to induce vomiting. This process will cause a secondary burn to their digestive system and may cause additional damage to their airway.

#3: First Aid for Kids Choking

Immediately reacting to a child choking is critical. If a child is conscious and unable to speak and cannot breathe, they could be choking. Because you may not know if there was a small toy or a piece of food present, take the following steps as soon as possible.

1. Have someone else call 911 if possible. If you are alone, call 911 as your next step.
2. Perform the Heimlich maneuver for children (generally age 1 to puberty).
   • Stand behind the child, wrap your arms around their waist, and make a fist with your thumb against their abdomen.
   • Position your fist between the rib cage and belly button.
   • Grasp your fist with your other hand.
   • Perform a quick, upward thrust.
   • Repeat until help arrives or the object dislodges.
3. If the child is coughing but you suspect choking, encourage coughing before resorting to other methods. Coughing can often clear the airway. Avoid putting your fingers in their mouth.

If your child is coughing, but you believe they are choking, encourage coughing before resorting to other methods. Coughing is likely to be more effective in these situations. Avoid putting your fingers into their mouth.

#4: First Aid for Kids with Burns

Burns range in severity. Minor burns, called first-degree burns, do not blister but become red. A second-degree burn will have red skin and blistering, while a third-degree burn shows charred or damaged skin, including skin that’s turned white.

If your child has third-degree burns, call 911 immediately. These burns are incredibly painful but also very sensitive. Getting the child to the ER is the priority as long as they are breathing. If they are not, call 911 and then perform CPR for children.

If your child has serious second-degree burns, they will still need medical care at the local ER. Do not wait to take them in.

In mild second-degree burns or first-degree burns, consider the following:

• Rinse the impacted area with cool, not cold, water. Maintain the injury under the running water for several minutes.
• Avoid applying greasy ointments or home remedies like butter. If recommended by a healthcare professional, you can apply a water-based antibiotic ointment for minor burns.
• Cover the burn with a bandage lightly. Avoid significant pressure on the area.
• If the burn is painful, remove it and wash it in the same way every few hours. Then, replace the bandage.

#5: First Aid for Kids with Cuts

Cuts are a common type of injury that kids experience, whether from falls or touching something sharp. In all cases, treat cuts with care, with the primary objective of cleaning them to reduce the risk of infection. In most situations of minor to mild cuts, follow these steps:

• Apply direct pressure to the area using clean gauze. Hold this in place for several minutes to stop the bleeding. Use a clean piece of gauze every few minutes to absorb blood. Apply firm but not painful pressure.
• Once the bleeding stops, rinse the wound with soap and water. Let the water run over the wound for five minutes to wash away the bacteria. This also reduces inflammation.
• Use an antibiotic ointment on the wound. Cover with a bandage.

In situations where the injury is deep, there is significant blood, or you believe stitches may be necessary, follow the steps above to try to stop the bleeding. Then, head to the ER or an urgent care for treatment.

#6: First Aid for Kids with Broken Bones

A broken bone may require emergency medical care. The hard part is knowing that the bone is broken. Typically, if the child cannot move the area or they are holding it in an odd position, it warrants going to the ER. Breaks may also cause significant swelling in the area and intense pain when touched. However, it is possible for a child to still move their limb with a break.

Follow these steps if you suspect your child has a broken bone:

• Avoid further movement of the limb. Create a sling that holds the limb still against the body.
• Avoid any type of medication until a health provider offers it. Some children need sedation at the hospital to set the bone, and over-the-counter medications may interfere with this ability.
• To reduce pain, an ice pack should be applied to the area in children over the age of 3.
• If the child cannot walk themselves (and they should not put pressure on a broken leg), call for emergency care.
• In situations where the bone breaks through the skin, cover the area with a clean piece of gauze until healthcare practitioners can treat the area.

Do not try to adjust the joint or move the bone yourself. Do not push the bone back into the skin, as this can lead to infection and complications.

#7: First Aid for Kids with Heat-Related Illness

Heat can be a detrimental part of summer play. Children who are active, such as being outside during the day or engaged in sports, are at a high risk of developing heat exhaustion, or a more severe form called heat stroke.

A child with heat-related illness may experience:

• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• A fast heart rate
• A temperature of 104 degrees or higher is a medical emergency
• Combative or confused actions are also indicative of an emergency

If you suspect heat-related illness, follow these steps:

• Move the child to a cool place, such as in the shade or in an air-conditioned space, such as a car or a home.
• Allow them to rest and remain calm for several minutes.
• Remove any extra clothing, uniforms, or gear.
• Apply a clean, wet cloth to their skin, such as their forearms and neck, to help cool them.
• Use a fan to help cool them down.
• Encourage them to drink a sports drink or water.

If, after several minutes, they do not improve or their condition worsens, take them to the ER. In situations where the child is unable to drink anything, they are at a higher risk of heat stroke and require emergency medical care. Any loss of consciousness or confusion requires immediate care.

#8: First Aid for Kids with a Twisted Ankle

The constant movement of children makes them prone to missteps, including those that can cause twists and turns of their limbs. A twisted ankle can occur if the child steps improperly, rolling their foot. If your child is unable to step on their foot flat or is complaining about putting shoes on, they may have a twisted ankle, especially if you notice them fall.

Follow these steps to provide first aid to the child:

• Have them sit down with their legs outstretched in front of them with a pillow under the legs for elevation. Encourage them to rest for a few minutes.
• Apply ice to the area. Using a simple ice pack placed on the ankle, allow the area to remain still for a few minutes.
• After 15 minutes, apply a bandage to the area to wrap around the ankle. This will help to apply compression to the sprain, reducing the risk of inflammation from fluid buildup.

Encourage your child to relax for some time to allow for healing. They may need to apply ice every 15 minutes over the next few hours until swelling subsides.

#9: First Aid Tips for Kids with Nosebleeds

A child with a nosebleed needs careful attention to reduce the risk of complications. Nosebleeds are common and are not necessarily indicative of a complex health problem. However, they do require care. Follow these steps:

• Have the child sit down. Tilt their head forward slightly.
• Place a towel or tissue on their nose and pinch it slightly. This helps to slow the bleeding.
• Maintain this position for 10 to 15 minutes before attempting to see if the blood stopped.

If it continues longer than you believe is safe, beyond 10 to 15 minutes, or there is a significant amount of blood, call 911. It can take time for the nosebleed to stop.

#10: First Aid for Kids with a Bump on Their Head

A bump on their head is yet another common injury many kids will experience. Most of the time, there is no need for extensive treatment. However, there are some cases where non-treatment could lead to complications.

If the child loses consciousness for any amount of time or there is an open wound to the head, call 911 as a first step. In most cases, this is not necessary.

For minor injuries and bumps, follow these steps:

• Have the child sit and relax for a few minutes. Younger children should be engaged with a simple toy.
• Place an ice pack on the bump for several minutes at a time. This will reduce swelling and pain.
• Depending on your child’s pain levels, over-the-counter, appropriate pain medication may be beneficial.

In these situations, monitor your child for any changes in behavior or communication. If they change their behavior, take them to the emergency room right away. Do not be surprised by a bump forming, but when there are changes to cognitive function, take action right away.

How to Know What to Do to Protect the Life of a Child

For anyone that works with children, these specific first aid skills are critical to preparing for a wide range of strategies. Yet, there is more you can do to protect your loved ones and those you spend time with on a routine basis.

There are several specific ways you can improve your knowledge and protect the lives around you:

• Consider enrolling in a basic life support certification program so you can react properly, even in the worst situations.
• If you have a medically fragile child, the PALS certification can help you know how to react when conditions change.
• Take the time to learn Infant CPR if your child is still young.
• If you work with children frequently, consider the importance of making first aid a part of your school curriculum, teaching kids exactly what they need to do when there’s a risk.

Knowing when to get help for your child isn’t easy, but as a parent, having the right knowledge and skills can give you peace of mind.

Enroll in CPR Certifications to Protect Your Child

First aid for kids is a critical skill all parents benefit from having. Learning these skills doesn’t have to be challenging. You can learn CPR and other first aid skills through our online certification courses. That’s an easy way for you to be prepared for the worst.