What Are the Most Important First Aid Skills and Supplies I Should Have at Home?
St. Hope Staff • August 14, 2024
Hopefully, you never have to perform first aid on your child. But with how accident-prone children can be and all the things imaginable and unimaginable that can hurt them, you can’t risk being unprepared. Having first aid skills you can rely on in an emergency before you can get to the ER is key to protecting your child in the worst-case scenario.
Our experienced pediatricians can educate new parents on vital first aid skills and products. We will give you expert guidance and compassionate support so you can have peace of mind about your abilities to treat cuts and bruises or handle a more serious injury, allergic reaction or flare-up of a chronic condition.
Essential First Aid Supplies
- Bandages and dressings
- Antiseptics
- Thermometer
- Tweezers and scissors
- CPR mask
- Instant cold packs
- Eye wash solution
- Hydrocortisone cream
- EpiPens
- Splints or slings
- Alcohol swabs
How to Perform the Two Most Important First Aid Skills
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
CPR is critical, life-saving knowledge for everyone to have. The world can be a dangerous place, especially for adventurous children, and parents need to know how to give their child CPR, though hopefully they will never have to put that knowledge to use.
CPR for children and babies is different from standard CPR:
- Check if your child is unresponsive and feel for breathing. The best tactic is to shout their name (or shout anything if they’re too young to recognize their name), tap them, then shout again. For babies, tap the bottom of their foot. If they’re still not responding, call 911 and start CPR.
- Place your child on a firm surface.
- For a child, place the heels of your hands on the center of their chest; for toddlers, use just one hand and for babies, use just your fingers (either your thumbs or two fingers).
- Put your shoulders directly over your hand(s), lock your elbows and push down two inches hard and fast for 30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Allow the chest to fully rise before compressing again. For babies, use your thumbs to push down about one and a half inches at the same rate.
- After 30 compressions, give two breaths: tilt the head, pinch the nose, cover the mouth and breathe in for 1 second each.
Choking Relief
Choking is one of the most common threats parents face on a day-to-day basis, which makes the Heimlich a must-know procedure for parents. Like CPR, the Heimlich maneuver varies slightly for children and infants, although the differences are minor.
To perform the Heimlich, wrap your arms around your child’s waist, place a fist just below their chest, holding it with your other arm, and press into the abdomen repeatedly until the lodged food comes out. For children, your thrusts should be less forceful but still powerful enough to dislodge the stuck object. After the piece comes out, go to their doctor immediately to make sure a particle didn’t infiltrate their lung.
For babies, call 911, then hold the baby face down on your forearm and give five forceful blows between their shoulder blades. If this doesn’t work, curl the baby on their side with their head lower than their chest, place two fingers on their chest just below the nipple line and push in and up five times. Repeat this until the object is dislodged or they pass out – in which case perform CPR until emergency personnel arrive.
Other Critical First Aid Skills
- Wound Care: Clean wound with an antiseptic solution, or soap and water, and cover with bandages. Clean the wound and change the bandage daily to prevent infection. Seek medical attention immediately if the wound is deep, longer than half an inch, has ragged edges or continues to bleed after applying pressure for 15 minutes.
- Bloody Noses: Have your child sit up and lean forward slightly to prevent blood from going down their throat. Pinch the soft area before the bridge of their nostrils for about 10 minutes. Avoid having them blow their nose immediately after a nosebleed stops.
- Fever Care: Dress the child in light layers to prevent overheating. Ensure they stay hydrated and check their temperature regularly. Consider giving them Children’s Tylenol or another type of fever-reducing medicine.
- Allergic Reactions: Call 911 and administer an EpiPen on the outer thigh, only administering a second dose if there’s no sign of improvement five minutes after the first dose. Monitor their breathing and ensure they get medical attention promptly.
- Concussions: After a head injury, monitor them for dizziness, pupil dilation and incoherence. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these concussion symptoms are present.
- Broken Bone: Immobilize the suspected broken bone using a splint or cloth if unavailable to prevent further injury until you’re able to reach an emergency room or urgent care clinic.
Our Experienced Pediatricians Are Here to Teach New Houston Parents Everything They Need to Know
Learn more about how we’ve been giving families across the Houston metro area peace of mind about their child’s health – call St. Hope Healthcare at (713) 778-1300 today and schedule a general wellness appointment.
Latest News from St. Hope
Changing weather and environmental factors bring new health challenges for children. While many of these issues are common and temporary, they can still be headaches for parents. At St. Hope Pediatrics, we believe prevention and early care are key to navigating seasonal health changes in pediatric care . Colder Weather and Winter When temperatures drop, children tend to spend more time indoors, and that often means more exposure to germs. They’re also in school all winter, spending at least eight hours a day packed in with other kids. Winter ailments can spread like wildfire in those conditions, which is part of why they’re some of the most common. Common Winter Health Challenges ● Colds and flu : Viruses spread more easily in indoor environments with less ventilation, like classrooms. ● Dry skin and eczema flare-ups : Cold air and indoor heating both dry out the skin. ● Asthma aggravation : Cold air can trigger bronchospasms, making asthma worse. ● Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : Shorter days and less sunlight may impact mood, even in children. Tips for Winter Wellness ● Encourage frequent handwashing and teach them to cover coughs/sneezes. ● Use a humidifier to balance dry indoor air. ● Keep your child’s skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotion. ● Dress them in breathable layers to manage temperature changes. ● Ensure adequate daylight exposure or talk to your doctor about ways to ensure they get adequate vitamin D. Spring Allergies Spring brings beauty, like blooming flowers and budding trees, but also pollen. Seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are extremely common in children and can interfere with sleep, school and outdoor play. Common Spring Health Challenges ● Sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes. ● Coughing and throat irritation. ● Worsening of asthma symptoms. Tips for Childhood Allergy Management ● Keep windows closed during high-pollen days. ● Make sure they shower and change clothes after outdoor play. ● Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter if your child has severe allergy symptoms. ● Talk to your pediatrician about safe antihistamines or allergy testing. The Risks of Summer Heat While summer is a favorite season for many kids, the heat can pose serious health risks if not managed carefully. This is especially important since encouraging your child to go outside and be active is key to their growth and development. Parents should take steps to ensure they can get exercise safely. Common Summer Health Challenges ● Heat exhaustion or heatstroke , especially during intense outdoor activities. ● Sunburn caused by UV rays can damage young skin quickly. ● Dehydration is a constant threat as hot weather increases fluid loss through sweat. ● Insect bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other Texas pests are more common during the summer months. Tips for Summer Safety ● Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every two hours. ● Encourage frequent water breaks during outdoor play. ● Dress them in light, breathable clothing and hats. ● Use insect repellent and do tick checks after hikes or park visits. Fall Transition: Back to School, Back to Germs Fall brings cooler temperatures and the start of the school year, both of which can increase your child’s exposure to germs and stress. Common Fall Health Challenges ● Colds, coughs and early flu. ● Stomach bugs spreading at school. ● Stress-related symptoms like headaches and sleep changes. Tips for Fall Readiness ● Reinforce good hygiene habits. ● Make sure your child gets a flu shot early in the season. ● Establish a consistent sleep schedule to support immunity. ● Check in on how they’re doing since the transition back to school can be tough for kids. Keep Your Child Healthy Year-Round With Good Immune Support No matter the season, your child’s immune system benefits from good year-round healthy habits: ● A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. ● Regular physical activity. ● Adequate sleep of between 9 to 12 hours per day, depending on age. ● Staying current on vaccinations. ● Regular check-ups with your pediatrician. Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your child from seasonal health issues. A well-child visit is an ideal time to discuss allergies, asthma management, immunity and any concerns you have about upcoming seasonal changes. When to Call the Pediatrician ● Cold or allergy symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen. ● Your child has trouble breathing or wheezing. ● Skin issues become inflamed, painful or infected. ● They show signs of persistent or serious dehydration like dry mouth, no tears or dark urine. ● Fever lasts more than a few days or is very high. Our Houston Healthcare Facility Is Here for Your Child Every Season At St. Hope Pediatrics, we know that kids aren’t just small adults. They have unique needs, especially during seasonal transitions. Whether it’s managing seasonal allergies, preventing sunburns, treating coughs or just helping you build a strong health foundation, we’re here to support your family all year long. Call us at (713) 778-1300 or make an appointment here on our website to connect with a Houston pediatric doctor.
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