First Aid for Falls, Burns, and Poisoning in Children

• 1 week ago

First Aid for Falls, Burns, and Poisoning in Children

1. FALLS: What to Do First

Immediate Response:

• Stay calm. Don’t move your child unless there’s immediate danger
• If conscious and responsive, observe carefully
• Apply a cold compress to any swelling (not directly—wrap in cloth)
• Watch for unusual drowsiness or vomiting

Call the doctor or go to ER if:

• Your child fell from a height (e.g., table, stairs, bed)
• Under 2 years old with any head bump
• Vomiting, excessive sleepiness, confusion
• Limb pain, swelling, or limited movement

Monitor for at least 24 hours after any significant fall.

2. BURNS: What to Do and What NOT to Do

Immediate Response:

• Cool the area with lukewarm (not ice-cold) water for 15–20 minutes
• Don’t remove stuck clothing forcibly
• Do not apply toothpaste, butter, or ointments
• Cover the area with a clean cloth or sterile pad if needed

Seek medical care if:

• The burn is larger than the size of the child’s palm
• Affects face, hands, feet, or genitals
• Blisters (second-degree or worse) form
• Caused by electricity or chemicals
• Signs of infection appear (redness, swelling, pus)

Home remedies can worsen the injury—stick to clean, cool water and professional care.

3. POISONING: How to Respond Safely

Immediate Response:

• Try to identify the substance and keep the packaging
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed
• Call the Poison Control Center (country-specific: e.g., 114 in Türkiye)
• If your child is alert: do not give food, milk, or water without professional advice

Common culprits:

• Cleaning products (bleach, detergent)
• Medications (painkillers, supplements, vitamins)
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Houseplants or mushrooms
• Gases (carbon monoxide)

Go to the ER or call emergency services if:

• Child is unresponsive, having difficulty breathing, or having a seizure
• Lips or mouth show burns or blisters
• Poison was ingested in large amounts or is unknown
• Vomiting or extreme drowsiness occurs

Milk, water, or forced vomiting may do more harm—call poison control first

What NOT to Do in Emergencies

First Aid Support with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

• Parent-focused first aid education sessions
• Customized home safety checklists
• Step-by-step guidance for common baby accidents
• Age-specific injury prevention tips
• Emergency plans for daycare and school-aged children
• Coordinated care with pediatric emergency specialists when needed