First Aid Quick Guide
Essential first aid guidance for common childhood injuries and emergencies.
🚨
When to Call 911
- • Difficulty breathing or no breathing
- • Severe bleeding that won't stop
- • Loss of consciousness
- • Seizures
- • Severe allergic reactions
- • Head injury with vomiting or loss of consciousness
- • Burns covering large area or on face/hands
- • Suspected poisoning
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (24/7)
Common Injuries & Treatment
Bumps, Bruises & Falls
Immediate Treatment:
- Apply ice pack wrapped in towel for 10-15 minutes
- Elevate injured area if possible
- Watch for swelling and pain
- Give age-appropriate pain reliever if needed
Call Doctor If:
- Large bump on head (especially if child under 2)
- Vomiting after head injury
- Severe pain or swelling
- Can't move injured limb
- Bruising without known injury
Cuts & Scrapes
Treatment Steps:
- Wash hands thoroughly first
- Stop bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with clean cloth 5-10 minutes
- Clean wound: Rinse with cool water, use mild soap around edges
- Apply antibiotic ointment (if no allergy)
- Cover with bandage until scab forms
Go to ER If:
- Deep cut that won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
- Wound edges gaping open (may need stitches)
- Cut from dirty/rusty object
- Signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, pus, red streaks
Burns
For Minor Burns (1st Degree):
- Run cool (not ice cold) water over burn 10-15 minutes
- Remove jewelry/tight clothing near burn before swelling
- Apply aloe vera or burn gel
- Cover loosely with sterile gauze
- DO NOT pop blisters
Go to ER If:
- Burn larger than child's palm
- Burn on face, hands, feet, or genitals
- Burn looks deep (white or charred)
- Large blisters
- Chemical or electrical burn
Nosebleeds
How to Stop:
- Sit upright and lean slightly forward (not back!)
- Pinch soft part of nose (not bridge) for 10 minutes
- Breathe through mouth
- Apply ice pack to bridge of nose
- Don't blow nose for several hours after bleeding stops
Call Doctor If:
- Bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes of pressure
- Frequent nosebleeds (more than once per week)
- Heavy bleeding or bleeding from injury
- Child feels faint or dizzy
Sprains & Strains
R.I.C.E. Method:
- Rest: Avoid using injured area
- Ice: 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for first 48 hours
- Compression: Wrap with elastic bandage (not too tight)
- Elevation: Raise above heart level when possible
Go to ER If:
- Can't bear weight on injured limb
- Severe swelling or deformity
- Numbness or tingling
- Joint appears out of place
- No improvement after 48 hours
Bee Stings & Insect Bites
Treatment:
- Remove stinger by scraping with credit card (don't pinch)
- Wash area with soap and water
- Apply ice pack for 10 minutes
- Use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for itching
- Give antihistamine if very itchy
Call 911 for Allergic Reaction:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Widespread hives
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
ER vs. Call Doctor vs. Treat at Home
🚨 Call 911 / Go to ER
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Head injury with vomiting
- Suspected broken bone
- Large/deep burns
- Poisoning
- Severe allergic reaction
- High fever (under 3 months)
📞 Call Doctor
- Fever over 100.4°F (3-6 months)
- Persistent vomiting/diarrhea
- Rash with fever
- Ear pain
- Signs of infection
- Persistent pain
- Concerning behavior changes
- Dehydration signs
- Cut that may need stitches
- When in doubt!
🏠 Treat at Home
- Minor cuts/scrapes
- Small bumps/bruises
- Minor burns (small, 1st degree)
- Common cold symptoms
- Mild fever (over 6 months, acting normal)
- Insect bites (no allergy)
- Splinters
- Minor nosebleeds
- Diaper rash
- Teething discomfort
CPR Quick Reference
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Critical Training Required
This is a quick reference only. Proper hands-on CPR training is ESSENTIAL. Take a certified course from the Red Cross or American Heart Association. Call 911 first, then begin CPR.
👶 Infant CPR (Under 1 Year)
- 1Check for response: Tap foot, call baby's name. If no response and not breathing normally, call 911.
- 2Position baby: Place on firm, flat surface. Support head and neck.
- 3Chest compressions: Use 2 fingers in center of chest, just below nipple line. Compress 1.5 inches deep. Do 30 compressions at rate of 100-120 per minute.
- 4Open airway: Tilt head back slightly (neutral position for infant), lift chin.
- 5Give 2 rescue breaths: Cover baby's nose and mouth with your mouth. Give 2 gentle breaths (1 second each) - watch for chest rise.
- 6Continue cycle: 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Continue until help arrives or baby responds.
🧒 Child CPR (1-8 Years)
- 1Check for response: Shake shoulders gently, shout child's name. If no response and not breathing, call 911.
- 2Position child: Place on firm, flat surface on back.
- 3Chest compressions: Use heel of one hand in center of chest. Compress about 2 inches deep. Do 30 compressions at 100-120 per minute.
- 4Open airway: Tilt head back, lift chin up.
- 5Give 2 rescue breaths: Pinch nose closed. Cover mouth with yours. Give 2 breaths (1 second each) - watch for chest rise.
- 6Continue cycle: 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Continue until help arrives or child responds.
📚 Get Certified
CPR skills require hands-on practice to perform correctly under stress. Certification courses include:
- • American Red Cross: Infant & Child CPR/AED/First Aid
- • American Heart Association: Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
- • Online + In-Person Hybrid Options: Learn theory online, practice hands-on
- • Recertify every 2 years to maintain skills
Poisoning Emergencies
☠️
Call Poison Control Immediately
1-800-222-1222
(24/7 - Have product container ready)
Common Household Poisons:
High Risk:
- • Laundry detergent pods
- • Button batteries
- • Medications (especially grandparents')
- • Cleaning products (bleach, ammonia)
- • Pesticides
Also Dangerous:
- • Antifreeze/windshield fluid
- • Alcohol
- • Plants (see baby-proofing guide)
- • Essential oils (undiluted)
- • Vitamins with iron
If Poisoning Suspected:
- 1. Stay calm - Your child needs you focused
- 2. Remove from source - Take away product, move child to fresh air if fumes
- 3. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- 4. Follow their instructions - DO NOT induce vomiting unless told to
- 5. Have container ready to read ingredients to poison control
⚠️ Never Do This:
- • Don't induce vomiting unless instructed (can cause more harm)
- • Don't give milk or water unless told to
- • Don't try to neutralize with other substances
- • Don't wait to see if symptoms develop - call immediately
Emergency Contacts Template
Print and post this near your phone or on the refrigerator. Fill in with your information.
Emergency Services:
911
Poison Control:
1-800-222-1222
Pediatrician:
_________________
After-Hours Clinic:
_________________
Parent 1 Cell:
_________________
Parent 2 Cell:
_________________
Nearest Hospital ER:
_________________
Emergency Contact:
_________________
Child Information:
Name: _____________________________________________
Date of Birth: _______________ Age: _______________
Allergies: __________________________________________
Medications: ________________________________________
Medical Conditions: __________________________________
Home Address: ______________________________________
Want printable emergency planners to go with this kit? CleanRoutine Custom cleaning schedules for busy households that need structure.
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Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In any emergency, call 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or other qualified health provider with questions about your child's health. CPR and first aid require proper training to perform safely and effectively - take a certified course.
Track your child's health records with HealthTrackerPro for organized medical information.