Dr Phil Kieran: What should parents do in a medical emergency?

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023 - 12:57

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General Practitioner

What are the most common medical emergencies children experience and what should parents do?

Young children — particularly toddlers — are prone to accidents. By the time they reach five or six, most parents will be accomplished at managing minor injuries.

However, preparing for emergencies and knowing when to call an ambulance is vital.

Here are some of the most common injuries and events to keep on your radar:

Burns and scalds are relatively common. Hot drinks can get pulled from tables by toddlers and older kids can burn themselves cooking or ironing. The first step is to pour cool water on the burn. For smaller burns, this means running the affected area under a cool tap but for larger areas, it’s best to use a bath or shower. The key is to keep cool water on the burn for at least five minutes. If the burn leaves a blister, don’t pop it. It’s best to get medical attention for anything more than a minor burn.
Insect bites are often itchy, and antihistamines can ease the discomfort. If the bite becomes infected, the area will become tender to touch and much hotter than the surrounding skin and you should see a doctor. Animal bites can be a higher risk for infection in children. If an animal breaks the skin and causes significant injury, clean and cover the wound and see a doctor in case antibiotics are required. Your child will have protection against tetanus from childhood vaccines, so ensure you stay up to date with these.
Minor cuts and scrapes should be cleaned and covered if bleeding. If your child falls on gravel or grit, remove any dirt from the wound before covering it up.
Head injuries used to scare me most when my children were toddlers. They ran around with so little sense of their surroundings and were so top-heavy that they often banged their heads when they fell. Thankfully, most head injuries are minor. Signs that the bang didn’t cause worrying harm include crying out immediately and moving normally. A medical review is highly recommended if they lose consciousness or are off form after the impact.
Choking is a significant concern during childhood. Grapes are among the most dangerous foods, so I recommend always cutting them in quarters. Parents and carers must learn what to do if their child is choking.

The HSE’s webpage offers excellent guidelines and all parents should read it.

Note: Always call 112 or 999 for an ambulance if you need urgent help.