It seems like kids are always getting into mischief that ends in a bump or a bruise! It’s all part of growing up! Most parents know how to deal with these minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, bites, and stings. Many things can be handled easily at home with the help of some basic first aid supplies purchased from your local pharmacy. However, it is also important for parents to know a few other first aid tips to handle more severe injuries that might occur as their child grows up.
Dental Injuries
One common injury among children is losing a tooth! If it is a baby tooth, then it might not be too much of an issue, but if not, then you will want to save it if at all possible. Time is the crucial factor here. The sooner a tooth can be replaced, the higher chance it has of surviving. Ideally, you will want to replace it in the socket, but most parents are understandably uncomfortable with this idea. The next best alternative is to place the tooth in some milk and get to a dentist immediately. The tooth can be replaced and splinted to stabilize it while it heals.
Burns
Minor burns are something that can be treated at home with supplies from your local pharmacy. Don’t put too much stock in the old remedies your grandmother used to share! Instead, rinse a burn with cool, clean water until the burning subsides and then apply a topical antibiotic and dress with a loose bandage to avoid infection. More severe burns should be treated by a healthcare professional.
Choking
As a parent, you know how much children seem to enjoy putting small items in their mouths! That means that choking is an all too common occurrence. If your child is choking and they start to turn blue and are unable to cry, it is recommended that you administer five blows between the shoulder blades using the soft part of your palm. This will more often than not dislodge the offending blockage. If it does not, try performing the Heimlich maneuver just above the belly button.
Head Injuries
Children’s heads often seem to be unusually attracted to the corners of furniture, making head injuries a common occurrence. More often than not, it is just a bump to the head that may result in a bruise, but with any head injury, observation and evaluation are necessary. Start by making sure they remain conscious and check how coherent they are by asking simple questions like their name, their age, or the name of their pet. Apply an ice pack to any visible bump on the head to reduce swelling. These are readily available at your local pharmacy. Over the next 24 hours, keep a close eye on your child looking for signs of nausea, headache, or a dazed state. These are signs of concussion and mean you should seek professional advice immediately.
When Do I Call 911?
It is almost inevitable that at some point, your child will suffer an injury that is more of an emergency and might require more help than your local pharmacy can provide! Even if you do need a trip to the emergency room, you likely can safely transport your child on your own in most cases. However, it is important to know when you should be calling 911 for extra assistance. If your child has been unconscious, even for a short time, then you should call 911. The same applies if they are bleeding that you are unable to stop or if they experience a seizure.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581