First Aid for Kids

A Parent's Guide to Quick Care for Children

By Margot Poss

Think your home is the safest place for your children? According to the National Safety Council's Injury Facts 2002 Edition, there were more than 3,000 deaths caused by unintentional injuries in children ages 5 to 14 years of age. Similarly, the National Safe Kids Campaign reports that "More than 4.5 million children, ages 14 and under, are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries that occurred in the home."

While the statistics vary according to age, drowning, mechanical suffocation (i.e. suffocation by bedding, clothes, blinds), burns and motor vehicle accidents continue to be among the leading causes of death. So just how prepared is your family to handle any one of these emergencies?

If you are one of the many of us who has been putting off the task of learning first aid, consider this: "Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children," says Ann Kulenkamp, director of communications for the Minnesota Safety Council. "It only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur. Parents should start early with a clear message about safety."

Learning about first aid can be fun and educational for both parents and children, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

"With two active boys who are into everything, it was necessary for me to brush up on my knowledge of first aid as well as teach them how to be safe," says Kathy Burman, a mother from Beaverton, Ore. "Even if my house is childproof, it is unrealistic to expect that everywhere we go will be childproof. I want to know that my kids have the basic knowledge to stay away from danger."

The following are some basic guidelines to follow when your kids need first aid:

According to the Keep Kids Healthy First Aid Guide, "After your child has been removed form the source of the burn, if they have a minor burn, you should soak it in cold water for about 15 minutes by placing it under running tap water or by covering the area with a cold, wet towel. You should not put ice or butter or any ointments on the burn, and do not break any blisters that have formed. If possible remove burned clothing or cut it away. Next, place a sterile dressing over the burned area and call your doctor for further instructions, especially for a second- or third-degree burn, which should be seen by a health care professional."

Want to see more?

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• Don't Leave It to Luck: Learn Infant/Child CPR
• Be Aware! Burn Prevention Tips From SAFE KIDS
• Safety and Hazards Quiz
• Talk about it!