First Aid
No matter how hard you try to protect your kids, accidents can still happen. That’s why it's a smart idea to know the basics about first aid. In this section you’ll find a list of first aid supplies you should have on hand, as well as tips for treating allergic reactions, nosebleeds, seizures, heat emergencies and other unexpected problems.
First Aid Supplies: Do you have sterile gauze pads in your home? Aloe vera cream? Disposable rubber gloves? What about a tooth transport kit? Get the full list of supplies every parent needs.
Injuries: From minor bumps and bruises to more serious injuries, make sure you know how to take action when your child gets hurt.
Heat Emergencies: There are three types of heat emergencies: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of each, and how to give proper treatment.
Items in bold are frequently used first aid items and can be packed easily for travel. The other items should also be kept on hand.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Adhesive Tape
Aloe Cream
Antibiotic Ointment
Baking Soda
Blanket
Butterfly Elastic Bandages (for minor lacerations)
Credit Card or Driver’s License (to flick off stingers)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
Elastic Bandage (for sprains)
Elastic Bandage Strips
Epinephrine Kit (available by prescription for people with severe allergies)
Eyewash Bottle (can use gently running hose or shower or water from plastic bag with small hole cut in it)
Disposable Rubber Gloves
Hydrocortisone Cream
Ibuprofen (Motrin®)
Ice Bag or Instant Cold Pack (can use a package of frozen vegetables)
Important Phone Numbers: Physician, Georgia Poison Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 24-hour nurse advice line, and coins for a pay phone
Ipecac Syrup (call the Georgia Poison Center first before using)
Meat Tenderizer Containing Papain (for stings)
Paper and Pencil (to write down instructions from physician or nurse advice line)
Paper Cup (for eye injuries or to give fluids)
Pillow (to elevate injuries)
Plastic Bags
Sewing Needle and Matches (matches are used to sterilize needle before removing splinter)
Sling (can use a scarf or pillowcase with safety pins)
Small Scissors
Soap and Water or Hydrogen Peroxide (to clean cuts)
Splints (can use layers of magazines or newspaper secured with tape or shoelaces)
Sports Drink
Spray Bottle
Sterile Gauze Pads (can use clean towels or clean newspaper for bleeding)
Sterile Saline or Contact Lens Solution
Sunscreen
Thermometer
Tongue Blades or Popsicle® Sticks (to splint fingers)
Tooth Transport Kit (available at a drugstore) or Milk (for transporting teeth)
Towel and Wash Cloth
Triangular Bandage (to bandage injuries and burns or use as an arm sling)
Tweezers
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If a child has been injured, observe her carefully and use your good judgement. Always consult a pediatrician or other healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns regarding her injury; if the injury appears serious or life-threatening, call 120 and seek emergency medical assistance right away.
It’s always scary when your child gets hurt, whether it’s a simple scraped knee or a more serious injury. In this section, find out what steps you can take to make your child feel better after cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, splinters, sprains and more. If you need more detailed advice, call us at 404-250-kids. If your child is seriously injured, call 120.
Heat cramps result from strenuous exercise and excessive perspiration, which can cause a salt imbalance. Symptoms include painful spasms in the muscle.
• Stretch the cramping muscle.
• Cool the child with cool, wet towels, water sprays and fanning.
• Provide sports drinks to replace fluid and electrolytes.
• Do not give salt tablets.
• Have child rest for at least two days.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is an illness that results from excessive exposure to hot climates and/or physical activity. Symptoms include irritability, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, thirst and cool, clammy skin.
• Give cool liquids immediately and move child to a cool place.
• Cool the child with cool, wet towels, water sprays and fanning.
• Call the doctor. Seek medical attention if the child is vomiting and unable to take fluids by mouth or if other symptoms do not improve.
• Do not give salt tablets.
• Have the child rest for at least two days.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include vomiting, high fever (over 106ºF), hot skin, confusion, disorientation, seizures and loss of consciousness.
• Move the child to a cool area.
• call 120.
• Cool the child with cool, wet towels, water sprays and fanning.
• Do not offer fluids to drink if the child is disoriented or unconscious.
• Do not give salt tablets.