First Aid for Families

As any parent of a toddler learning to walk on unsteady legs realizes, falling is an inevitable part of growing up. When a child falls, the greatest concern is the head.

A fall that renders a child unconscious is a serious event, and the parent or care provider should call 911 for immediate assistance. For these serious falls and other falls resulting in head injury, parents should adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• Avoid moving the victim until help arrives.
  
  
• Turn victim on his or her side if vomiting occurs.
  
  
• Avoid being distracted by blood. Bleeding is frequently seen and should not be of great concern as the scalp has plenty of blood supply.
  
  
• Apply direct pressure to wounds, which is usually sufficient to stem blood flow and should be maintained for at least 10 minutes.

If you have any concerns about the wound or of the child's overall condition, do not hesitate to call your physician, as he or she will prove very helpful in keeping you focused on the important issues.