Teaching Kids First Aid

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound.
• Rinse the cut or scrape with clean water to remove dirt and debris.
• Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing.

• If the cut is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or is more than half an inch long.
• If there is something embedded in the wound.
• If the wound shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pus).

• Regularly change the bandage and keep the wound dry and clean.
• Avoid picking at scabs as this can introduce bacteria.
• Watch for signs of infection and seek medical help if needed.

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain. Treat by cooling the burn under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes and applying aloe vera or an antibiotic ointment.
• Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin, causing blisters and swelling. Cool the burn using running water for at least 15 minutes, do not pop blisters, and cover with a non-stick sterile bandage.
• Third-degree burns affect all layers of skin and possibly underlying tissues, causing white or charred skin. Do not attempt to treat these burns at home; cover with a clean cloth and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• Remove the person from the source of the burn (e.g., fire, hot liquid).
• Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 10-20 minutes.
• Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the burn site, but do not remove anything stuck to the skin.
• Avoid applying ice, butter, or any home remedies to the burn.
• Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick sterile bandage or cloth.

• If the burn is larger than the size of the person’s palm or covers a major joint.
• If the burn is on the face, hands, feet, groin, or over a major joint.
• If the burn is a third-degree burn, causing white or charred skin.
• If there are signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or oozing.
• If the person has difficulty breathing or the burn was caused by chemicals or electricity.

Signs of choking and how to respond:

• Signs include difficulty breathing, inability to speak or cough, clutching at the throat, and turning blue.
• Encourage the person to cough forcefully, and if unable to cough, perform abdominal thrusts.

Age-appropriate techniques for helping someone who is choking:

• For infants, give up to five back blows followed by chest thrusts.
• For children and adults, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind the person, making a fist, and thrusting upward into the abdomen.

Practicing the Heimlich maneuver with supervision:

• Demonstrate the Heimlich maneuver on a manikin or doll to show proper technique.
• Supervise children as they practice the maneuver, ensuring they understand the importance of proper execution.

• Common allergens include foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish), insect stings, medications, and latex.
• Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.

• Remove the safety cap and firmly press the auto-injector against the person’s outer thigh.
• Hold in place for several seconds, then massage the injection site for 10 seconds.

• Teach children to communicate their allergies to adults, teachers, caregivers, and friends.
• Stress the importance of carrying allergy medications at all times and knowing when and how to use them.

Simplified CPR techniques appropriate for children’s understanding:

• Teach hands-only CPR by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
• Encourage compressions to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” (100-120 beats per minute).

The importance of learning CPR even at a young age:

• Explain that CPR can save lives by keeping oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and vital organs.
• Empower kids with the knowledge that they can make a difference in emergencies.

Practicing CPR on manikins or under supervision:

• Provide hands-on practice on CPR manikins, emphasizing proper hand placement and compression technique.
• Ensure children practice under the supervision of an adult or qualified instructor to reinforce correct skills and build confidence.

• Have the person sit upright and lean slightly forward.
• Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bony bridge and hold for 10-15 minutes.
• Avoid tilting the head back as this can cause blood to flow down the throat.

• Seek medical attention if the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes despite pinching the nose.
• If the nosebleed is severe, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or difficulty breathing.

Identifying symptoms of sprains and strains:

• Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, limited mobility, and tenderness around the injured area.
• Teach children to recognize these signs and differentiate between sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle or tendon injuries).

Basic R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method:

• Rest: Advise resting the injured area to prevent further damage.
• Ice: Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling and pain for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the injured area, but not too tightly.
• Elevation: Elevate the injured limb above heart level to reduce swelling.

When to consult a doctor for further care:

• Seek medical attention if there is severe pain, inability to bear weight, or persistent swelling despite R.I.C.E. treatment.
• If the injury is near a joint or if there is any deformity or instability.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration:

• Signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, infrequent urination, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
• Teach children to recognize these symptoms and understand the importance of addressing dehydration promptly.

Importance of drinking water, especially during physical activities:

• Emphasize the need to stay hydrated before, during, and after physical activities.
• Explain that water helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and flush out toxins.

Simple ways to rehydrate:

• Encourage drinking water regularly throughout the day, even when not thirsty.
• Offer hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables with high water content.
• Sip on oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks if engaging in prolonged or intense physical activity.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and headache.
• Signs of heatstroke include high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.

• Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Offer cool water to drink and use cold compresses or ice packs to cool the body.
• If the person shows signs of heatstroke, call emergency services immediately.