Injuries will always be a part of childhood. After all, children are still learning how their environment works. As a parent, it’s your job to protect your kids as best you can, but accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s essential to know some basic first aid skills so that you know how to treat an injury, and also know when exactly you should seek medical attention. It’s also important to teach these skills to your older children so that they can provide good care for their younger siblings if necessary.

Before we discuss things in detail, ensure your household has a first aid kit with basic supplies such as painkillers, bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer, and hot/cold packs. You can order these supplies at an online pharmacy Philippines parents trust and have them shipped straight to your door so that you don’t have to leave your home to build a kit from scratch.

With that in mind, below are five first aid skills that both parents and teens should know:

1. Performing CPR and Infant CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is one of the most important first aid skills, and one of the first that parents and teens should learn. If someone has stopped breathing, it’s important to start and continue CPR until they are able to receive professional medical attention. Take note as well that infant CPR is a separate skill that you will have to master.

While emergency dispatchers are able to give instructions over the phone, you will still want to learn the technique so that you know what to do without any guidance. Parents and teens alike can sign up for CPR training or general first aid training that covers CPR so that they can learn and practice the proper way to perform the procedure.

2. Choking Management

Choking is a common hazard for children, especially curious babies who love to put small foreign objects in their mouths. The Heimlich maneuver is the go-to technique for saving someone from choking.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver, place a fist above the patient’s navel and grasp it with your other hand. Then, place the thumb of your fist below their ribcage and two inches above the navel. Quickly thrust your hands inwards and upwards five times to dislodge the foreign object, and repeat as necessary.

Again, consider signing up for first aid training so that you can practice the Heimlich maneuver and receive tips and guidance from first aid professionals.

3. Treating Head Injuries

Head bumps are probably the most common childhood injury you will have to deal with, especially for parents with high-energy children. The first thing a parent should do after their child bumps their head is to check the severity. Light head bumps without any notable symptoms can usually be treated with an ice bag and some painkillers. But more severe head injuries can lead to a concussion that needs urgent medical attention.

After a head bump, check your child for symptoms such as dizziness, pupil dilation, lack of coherence, nausea, light sensitivity, or balance problems. If you believe your child is concussed, it’s important to take them to the doctor immediately.

4. Treating Cuts and Scrapes

Children can often get cuts and scrapes as they play and develop their motor skills. They can trip on rough asphalt, fall off their bike, or even cut themselves on sharp edges of toys. To treat a wound, control any bleeding first by elevating the injured area and applying direct pressure. Then, clean the wound with mild soap and cool water first to avoid infection. Apply antibiotic cream to further reduce the risk of infection and put on a fresh bandage.

If the wound is deep, gaping, or bleeding uncontrollably, seek medical help immediately, as it may need stitches.

5. Treating Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds can be more dangerous for small children and infants because of their thin, sensitive skin and smaller body surface. You can begin treating a minor burn by holding the burned area under cool running water for at least fifteen minutes. This helps cool the skin, ease any pain, and stop inflammation. Wash with soap and water to prevent infection and cover with a non-adhesive dressing.

Watch out for third-degree burns, which you can identify by looking for whitening skin, blistering, and numbness. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect your child has a third-degree burn or if the size of the burn is significant.

Learn Proper First Aid for The Safety of Your Children

Dealing with injuries is an inevitable challenge that all parents must face. It’s important to ensure that you, your spouse, and your older children can provide first aid to minimize any damage and keep younger kids safe and calm. Taking proper first aid training, having a complete first aid kit for your home, and knowing when and where to seek medical attention can prevent more serious consequences if and when these events do happen. Don’t wait until something drastic happens before you learn how to prepare.