Quick First Aid and Safety for Bites, Burns, Stings and Bruises

As a clinician who has worked in a family practice setting along with the emergency room, I have had the experience of treating many injuries related to insect bites, sunburns, cuts and bruises. I also have the personal experience being the mother of four children, which is more difficult than the clinical setting.

The first goal as a practitioner is to educate the caregivers on safety. Preventative medicine is always the best, however we all know that when it comes to children that is not always possible, if there is a will I am sure they will find the way.

The great news is that most of these injuries can be handled fairly simply and can be managed with some simple rules of safety and first aid.

Always remember, when it comes to children they usually cannot communicate very well especially if they are in pain or discomfort. They are frightened, some are unable to verbalize and naturally with these components they are as well uncooperative. So it is important to visualize there facial expressions and for any other indirect sign of pain. Speaking calmly and putting yourself at their height level may be more comforting for them especially when trying to administer first aid.

For the purpose of this article, an insect bite or sting will include: bee stings, "any" insect, spiders, ticks or other bugs that a child may find to be friend or foe. First, there is safety always try to protect the child by observing his or her environment, ensure that proper outerwear is used and the use of insect repellent as well, especially during the summer months when this little "buggers' are hovering around. Again, there is no guarantee that they will not be stung or bitten. However if they happen to have an encounter with our little friends be aware that there may be either a local or systemic (affecting the body systems such as heart or lungs) reaction. Some of the symptoms that may appear locally include: swelling to the site, redness and itching to the area, or warmth to touch.

Severe systemic reactions may include: hives, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, chest pain or dizziness. If any of these symptoms occur or as tell my caregivers, "anything that you do not feel right about," that child needs immediate attention. And should be taken to the local emergency room or their physician should be contacted immediately.

With a local reaction, first aid can be administered at home. If there is a stinger present it can be removed gently by scraping away from the injected site - keep in mind that pinching the end of the stinger may inject more venom into the child. Then the area can be cleansed with soap and water. Apply ice to the area (which may be tricky with children, so try to use creative ideas such as ice pops or frozen vegetables) but do not apply directly on the skin. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for pain control. A tetanus vaccine is also recommended but usually children are already vaccinated, you may consult with the child's physician.

Sunburns are usually managed the same with ensuring that protective outerwear is utilized, avoiding sun exposure especially during peak times 11am - 4pm and using sunscreen daily even on those cloudy days. A mild burn usually consists of redness and pain. Whereas a more severe burn will have blistering associated with redness and pain. With a severe burn consultation with a medical provider is warranted. First aid for a mild burn consist of cool compresses, moisturizing gel such as aloe vera for a cooling effect and again acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain control.

Cuts and bruises probably the most common encounter with children and outdoor play are probably the more common of injuries to be seen in a child. A bruise, which is more commonly known as a "black and blue" is caused by some direct trauma to that site. These symptoms include discoloration, soreness and pain with movement. Immediate medical attention is needed if the child is unable to move the injured area and/or any obvious deformity is seen. For the simple "black and blue" again apply ice to area, rest the area with some "relaxed play" and elevate to reduce the swelling. With an open cut stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure, cleanse the area with soap and water, observe the cut if it is deep or you are unable to stop the bleeding that child needs immediate medical attention, otherwise a simple band-aid will do.

As with any injury if something does not feel right or look right seek the advice of a medical professional. Follow your instincts, as for myself and my patients I always say we usually know when "something is wrong."

A babysitter and any daycare provider should have a first aid training course and have phone numbers available which include: local 911 system, physician or local hospital and where a care giver can be contacted. I emphasize that as a role of a parent or guardian it is up to us to ensure that we leave our children with properly trained individuals.