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Choking is a leading cause of injury in young children, often from small toys, food, or coins. If your child is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing to dislodge the object. For infants under one year, place them face-down on your forearm and give five back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by five chest thrusts. For older children, perform the Heimlich maneuver: stand behind them, make a fist just above the navel, and thrust inward and upward.
If the child becomes unconscious, start CPR. Prevention is key—cut food into small pieces, supervise play, and keep small objects out of reach. Toys should meet safety standards, and avoid giving nuts or hard candies to toddlers.
Burns from hot liquids, stoves, or chemicals are common in active kids. First-degree burns cause redness and pain; second-degree add blisters; third-degree are severe and may appear white or charred. Immediately cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) water for 10-20 minutes to stop the burning process. Cover with a clean cloth or bandage, but don’t apply ointments or break blisters.
For chemical burns, rinse thoroughly with water. Elevate the area and give pain relief if needed. Seek medical help for burns larger than a palm, on the face/hands/genitals, or if they blister deeply. Prevent by setting water heaters to 120°F, using stove guards, and teaching “hot” awareness.
Toddlers and preschoolers often tumble, leading to bumps or cuts. For minor injuries, clean with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and bandage. But head injuries require vigilance—symptoms like vomiting, confusion, or excessive drowsiness could indicate concussion. Rest the child, apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and monitor closely.
If there’s bleeding from the scalp, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. For suspected fractures, immobilize the limb and seek help. Helmets for bikes and scooters, and soft play areas, reduce fall risks.
Curious kids might ingest household cleaners, medications, or plants. If you suspect poisoning, call poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) right away—they provide expert guidance. Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed. For swallowed poisons, give small sips of water or milk if advised, and note what was ingested.
Store chemicals and meds in locked cabinets, use child-proof caps, and teach “no tasting” rules. Carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty heaters causes headaches and nausea—install detectors and ensure proper ventilation.
Sudden breathing difficulties can stem from asthma, allergies, or infections. If your child has asthma, follow their action plan: use a rescue inhaler and seek help if symptoms worsen. For allergic reactions with swelling or hives, administer epinephrine if prescribed, then call 911.
In cases of drowning or near-drowning, perform CPR if needed and keep the child warm. Prevention includes swim lessons, life jackets, and asthma management plans.
Febrile seizures from high fevers are common in young children—place them on their side, loosen clothing, and call for help if it lasts over five minutes. For other seizures, protect from injury by removing nearby objects, but don’t restrain. Time the episode and seek medical evaluation afterward.
If unconscious, check for breathing and pulse; start CPR if absent. AEDs (automated external defibrillators) can be lifesavers in cardiac emergencies, but they’re rare in kids.
Equip your home with a well-stocked kit: bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, thermometer, tweezers, and emergency numbers. Include child-specific items like infant CPR masks. Refresh supplies regularly and know your child’s medical history, allergies, and medications.
Not every bump needs the ER, but err on caution. Call 911 for unconsciousness, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or suspected poisoning. For non-emergencies, contact your pediatrician. Trust your instincts—better safe than sorry.
Many emergencies are preventable. Childproof your home: cover outlets, secure cords, and use gates on stairs. Supervise play, teach road safety, and model safe behaviors. Regular check-ups catch issues early, and vaccinations protect against serious illnesses.
