First Aid: How to protect your kids from falling
All small children are vulnerable to taking an unexpected tumble, and most of the time this is a harmless part of growing up. However, falls can be dangerous. You can find some information below on how to protect your child from dangerous falls and what to do if a dangerous fall occurs.
How to Protect your Child from Falls:
A few simple steps can be taken to minimize the risk of dangerous falls.
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Install window stops in open windows and safety gates at the top of staircases in your house.
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Shut all doors in your house that lead to high-up balconies.
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Install anti-fall devices such as nightlights, bathmats, and safety railings in rooms your child frequents.
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While out, you can protect your child by using secure, sturdy strollers and playgrounds with shock-absorbent surfaces.
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Your child should always wear a helmet while riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard.
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Teach your child to use caution when approaching escalators and potentially slippery surfaces.
What to Do if a Fall Occurs:
Although most falls in children don't cause serious harm, falls can cause serious bone and head injuries.
Falls sometimes cause broken bones. A child with a broken bone will feel acute pain in the area of the break and often will not be able to move the broken area.
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If you suspect your child has a broken bone, you should take them to the hospital or call 911.
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Try to move the broken bone as little as possible on your way to the hospital.
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Do not try to realign the bone.
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Use bandages to stop any bleeding, then apply ice packs to the injured area.
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If you think your child may have suffered a head, neck, or spinal injury, do not try to move them and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Falls can also cause concussions. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head. If you think your child has a concussion, you should take them to see a doctor. If your child is bleeding from their head, you should apply bandages and ice to the affected area.
If your child has passed out or fallen and lost consciousness, you should call 9-1-1, then begin first aid. You can learn first aid by attending an accredited first aid course.
Internal bleeding signs will not appear instantly so make sure to watch your child and go for a hospital imaging when a child falls hard or hit their head and vital parts!
