Basic First Aid for Children

Even children are able to help with injuires.

It is important to teach children about first aid skills when they are young. The most important skill is to teach them how and when to dial 911. When they get older, they can assist in more difficult injuries.

Significance

Children should have an understanding to how to treat basic injuries and why. This understanding could save the lives of their family members and even themselves. A matter of minutes could mean a life saved.

Types of Skills

Children should be taught how to treat different types of burns, cuts and scrapes and how to assemble a basic first aid kit for their home. The kit should include various bandages, tape, CPR items and wraps. Instruct the children how and when each of these items should be used. For example, for a small cut, a Band-Aid should be used versus a bandage for a bigger cut.

Warning

Children need to be instructed in the seriousness of when and how to call 911. Tell them that 911 is not a fun thing; it is important and can save lives. When instructing in CPR, give them basic help such as what to look for in an unconscious person. Small children can handle simple instructions such as these.

References

• Family Education: Teaching Kids First Aid
• Scum Doctor: Basic First Aid to Teach Children