HEAD TRAUMA
Most head trauma often results in a scalp injury. Lumps or "goose eggs" can occur because the blood supply to the head is very plentiful. This is the same reason that small cuts seem to bleed continuously. If your child loses consciousness with a fall or blow to the head, seek help immediately. If there are any cuts or abrasions, clean them with an antibacterial soap and apply direct pressure to stop bleeding then call our office to make arrangements for your child to be evaluated. If there are no cuts, apply ice to the affected area and have your child rest.
Call our office for the following and we will give you further instructions:
Severe headache
Seizures
Vomiting 3 or more times
Blurred or double vision
Confusion
ANIMAL BITES
Immediately clean the area with antibacterial soap then cover with a loose dressing. A tetanus booster may be needed depending on the date of the last one. Obtain as much information about the offending animal as possible. It may need to be checked by a veterinarian and isolated for a few days. Call our office to arrange for your child to be evaluated. An Animal Bite Report will be forwarded to the county health department. Depending on the severity of and appearance of the bite, antibiotics may be required. Human bites are treated essentially the same. There is great potential for these to become infected due to bacteria in the mouth.
BURNS
Immediately soak the affected area in cool water. DO NOT use butter or any other grease on the burn. Cover it loosely with a sterile gauze pad. Minor burns can be managed at home using Neosporin ointment. Do not attempt to break any blisters that may form. If the burn is more severe or is causing your child a great deal of pain, please call our office to make arrangements for your child to be seen.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Most accidents are preventable. Here is a short list of Do’s and Don’ts.
DO'S
Keep medications and other potentially dangerous items locked up and out of the reach of children.
Have emergency numbers by each telephone.
Use recommended restraint seats/belts in vehicles. Be sure they are properly installed.
Use safety latches for cabinets, outlet protectors for plugs and other child-proof accessories.
Turn temperature of water heater lower than 120 degrees to prevent hot water burn.
Use smoke alarms and practice fire drills.
Keep plastic bags away from children.
Teach children to look both ways before crossing streets.
Require use of proper safety equipment for bicycles, skateboards, scooters and other sports.
Teach water safety.
DON'TS
Never leave a child unattended on a changing table, bed or in a bathtub.
Let your child stand in grocery carts.
Tie a pacifier around a baby’s neck.
Never use pillows in an infant’s crib.
Allow children in the kitchen while cooking to avoid grease spatters or other accidents.
Allow cords from blinds, lamps and other appliances to hang down where children can pull on them.
Let children play with small objects - beads, buttons, small game pieces, nuts, etc. - to avoid choking.
