Kids play hard and accidents can happen. So, it's smart to have a general idea of how to handle an emergency when caring for children. Dr. Purva Grover works is a pediatric ER doctor in the emergency department at Cleveland Clinic Children's. If a child falls and their arm or leg looks broken, she advises caregivers try to splint it first, and then get help.
"Placing a board underneath it, or some sort of a board for support, so that this patient can be sent to the ED for appropriate care," she said.
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Grover suggests always carrying a first-aid kit, too. At the very least, it's a good idea to have some type of cleaning agent, wipes or towels and bandages of different sizes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in kids under 19. If your child falls and is bleeding, remember to remain calm and apply pressure.
"As long as you don't panic, and you put pressure, direct pressure on the wound, consistent direct pressure, that should help the bleeding a little bit," explained Grover.
She adds that mouths and heads bleed a lot, and the bleeding is usually more severe than the injury itself. Large amounts of blood can frighten a child and sometimes a laceration can look pretty scary. In order to keep your little one calm, Grover recommends keeping the wound out of sight.
"It's usually advisable to cover the wound with some sort of a cloth so the child doesn't get freaked out or scared as they are looking at it and be as calm and peaceful as you can be as a parent or provider, that really helps with the child," she said.
Iif you have any concerns about an injury your child suffers while playing, you can always go to your nearest emergency room just to make sure everything is okay.