First Aid Reminder

Over the next few weeks we will be giving you some first aid reminders. Now that our children are out in this beautiful weather it is a great time to remember some basic first aid. This week we have some great tips about STINGS, BITES, and ALLERGIES--Please always remember to call 911 if you have a life threatening emergency. Also remember your doctor is here to answer any questions you may have.

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General things to know--

• Know how to get help.
• Make sure the area is safe for you and the child.
• When possible, personal protective equipment (such as gloves) should be used.
• Position the child appropriately if her airway needs to be opened or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is needed.
• DO NOT MOVE A CHILD WHO MAY HAVE A NECK OR BACK INJURY (from a fall, motor vehicle crash, or other injury, or if the child says his neck or back hurts) unless he is in danger.
• Look for anything (such as emergency medical identification jewelry or paperwork) that may give you information about health problems.

Stings, Bites, and Allergies

Stinging Insects

Remove the stinger as soon as possible with a scraping motion using a firm item (such as the edge of a credit card). Put a cold compress on the bite to relieve the pain. If trouble breathing; fainting; swelling of lips, face, or throat; or hives over the entire body occurs, call 911 or an emergency number right away. For hives in a small area, nausea, or vomiting, call the pediatrician. For spider bites, call the pediatrician or Poison Help (1-800-222-1222 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-222-1222 end_of_the_skype_highlighting). Have the pediatrician check any bites that become red, warm, swollen, or painful.

Animal or Human Bites

Wash wound well with soap and water. Call the pediatrician. The child may need a tetanus or rabies shot or antibiotics.

Ticks

Use tweezers or your fingers to grasp as close as possible to the head of the tick and briskly pull the tick away from where it is attached. Call the pediatrician if the child develops symptoms such as a rash or fever.

Snake Bites

Take the child to an emergency department if you are unsure of the type of snake or if you are concerned that the snake may be poisonous. Keep the child at rest. Do not apply ice. Loosely splint the injured area and keep it at rest, positioned at or slightly below the level of the heart. Identify the snake, if you can do so safely. If you are not able to identify the snake but are able to kill it safely, take it with you to the emergency department for identification.

Allergy

Swelling, problems breathing, and paleness may be signs of severe allergy. Call 911 or an emergency number right away. Some people may have emergency medicine for these times. If possible, ask about emergency medicine they may have and help them administer it if necessary.

**thanks to AAP for the current info