Often times, despite how we try to child proof our homes and keep it as safe for our kids as possible, accidents can still happen. When they do though, the first thing to do is to keep calm and react accordingly. We share six scenarios and what you can do should they happen to you.
Text: Eveline Gan, Straits Times, November 2015/ Additional Reporting: Atika Lim
Photos: Pixabay
Visit a doctor right away. Take with you the bottle or container’s label so that doctors have a better idea of what should be done.
While making your way to the hospital, attempt to weaken the poison’s potency by making your child drink either milk or water in small sips.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting as this could cause your child to choke.
Remove all articles of clothing if soaked and run their affected areas under cool running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not attempt to apply toothpaste or ice on the burned spot.
If the burn is minor, apply antiseptic solution and cover with non-adhesive dressing.
If burn is severe, visit the emergency department right away. Be sure to visit the hospital right away if burns are caused by chemical solutions or electrical burns.
Promptly run your child’s finger under running water and stop the bleeding by press gently on the wound. Proceed to clean with antiseptic solution and protect with non-stick sterile dressing.
Immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Clean with antibiotic ointment once bleeding has halted and cover with a sterile gauze or bandage.
Visit a doctor to check if your child requires antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
Gently wash eyes under shower and clean with warm water for 15 minutes. Ensure that your child doesn’t rub or applying pressure to the eye.
Attempt to dislodge object by applying back blows between the shoulder blades. If child loses consciousness, start CPR immediately. If child is above a year old, a Heimlich manoeuvre is allowed.