Your child falls and hits their head. Another child gets a deep cut while playing. A toddler pulls a pot of hot water onto themselves. In these moments, knowing what to do can mean the difference between a good outcome and a tragedy. Basic first aid knowledge allows you to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies. Every parent should know essential first aid techniques before they're needed in a real situation. Learn foundational first aid skills at Healthbooq.
When to Call Emergency Services (911)
Call 911 for serious injuries or medical events: difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, unconsciousness, uncontrolled bleeding, severe choking, signs of stroke, seizures, serious head injuries, severe allergic reactions, ingestion of toxins, suspected poisoning, or any situation where you're unsure if it's serious.
If unsure whether to call 911, call. Emergency responders can assess and advise whether transport is needed. It's better to call when it's not needed than to wait when it is.
For non-emergencies, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) for ingestion questions, and your pediatrician for urgent but non-emergency situations.
Basic CPR for Infants and Children
Infant CPR (under one year): Place two fingers on the infant's breastbone just below the nipple line. Push down about 1.5 inches, allowing full recoil between compressions. Perform 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
Child CPR (one to eight years): Use the heel of one hand on the child's chest, or both hands if needed. Push down about 2 inches, allowing full recoil. Perform 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
Continue CPR at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Continue until emergency responders arrive or the child shows signs of life.
If you're not trained in rescue breathing, hands-only CPR (compressions without breaths) is effective for most situations. Focus on rapid, hard compressions until help arrives.
Choking Response
For infants under one year: alternating back blows and chest thrusts.
For children over one year: Heimlich maneuver (upward thrusts just above the navel).
See the detailed article on choking response for specific techniques.
Wound Care: Cuts and Scrapes
For minor cuts and scrapes: Stop bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth. Apply pressure until bleeding stops (usually a few minutes for minor wounds).
Clean the wound with soap and water. Remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry with a clean cloth.
Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage if desired. Keep the wound clean and dry. Change bandage if it becomes soiled.
For serious bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes of pressure, call 911 or go to the emergency department.
For deep wounds, wounds from dirty objects, or wounds with edges that gape open, seek medical evaluation.
Burns
For minor burns (small area, no blistering): Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. This removes heat and reduces pain.
Apply a burn gel or aloe vera. Cover with a non-stick dressing if desired. Avoid ice (which can damage tissue) and don't apply ointments (which trap heat).
For serious burns (large area, blistering, very red or charred): Call 911 immediately. Don't remove stuck clothing. Cool the burn with water unless the child is shivering, then stop.
Keep the child warm with blankets to prevent shock. Don't apply ointments or oils to serious burns.
Head Injuries
For minor bumps without loss of consciousness: Apply ice if swelling develops. Monitor the child for hours for signs of worsening.
Watch for: vomiting, unusual sleepiness, difficulty waking, confusion, dizziness, severe headache, loss of consciousness at any point, or clear fluid from nose or ears.
If any of these signs develop, seek medical evaluation immediately. Even if the child seems fine, any loss of consciousness warrants professional evaluation.
Poisoning and Ingestion
For suspected poisoning or ingestion: Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) immediately. Have the poison/substance container available.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by Poison Control. Do not give anything to eat or drink unless instructed.
Bring the substance container to the emergency department if the child requires transport.
Allergic Reactions
For mild allergic reactions (itching, minor rash, mild swelling): Give diphenhydramine (Benadryl) following dosing instructions for the child's age/weight.
For serious reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, severe rash): Call 911 immediately. If the child has an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), use it immediately while calling 911.
Fractures and Sprains
For suspected fracture: Immobilize the affected limb. Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Seek medical evaluation. Do not move the injured area beyond initial stabilization.
For sprains: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily for the first few days. Elevate if possible. Consider wrapping with an elastic bandage for support. Seek evaluation if swelling is severe or function is significantly impaired.
Fever Management
For fever: Take the child's temperature using a thermometer. Fever itself is not dangerous (unless exceptionally high), but is a sign the body is fighting infection.
Use fever-reducing medication if the child is uncomfortable. Cool baths or damp cloths can provide comfort.
Call your pediatrician if fever persists, if the child acts very ill, or if you're concerned. Call immediately if fever is accompanied by difficulty breathing, rash, or severe lethargy.
Choking on Non-Food Objects
If you observe your child putting a non-food object in their mouth, calmly remove it. Don't overreact.
If the child has inhaled an object (you didn't see it go in but suspect it did), call Poison Control or your pediatrician. Sometimes X-rays are needed to assess whether aspiration occurred.
Formal Training
Take an infant and child first aid/CPR course. These classes teach hands-on techniques that are hard to learn from reading alone. Most are 2-3 hours and provide certification.
Renew training every few years as recommendations change and you need refresher practice.
Creating a First Aid Kit
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible: bandages (various sizes), antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, fever reducer, diphenhydramine, tweezers (for splinters), scissors, gauze pads, elastic bandages, antihistamine cream, and burn gel.
Include a list of emergency numbers (911, pediatrician, Poison Control, nearest hospital) posted on the refrigerator.
Teaching Children About Safety
As children grow, teach them basic safety and what to do in emergencies. A preschooler can learn to yell for help, not to touch certain things, and that certain injuries need immediate attention.
Make safety education age-appropriate and non-frightening. Children benefit from understanding simple safety rules without developing excessive fear.
Key Takeaways
Every parent should know basic first aid techniques including CPR, choking response, wound care, and burn treatment. These skills can save a child's life in emergencies. While formal training is ideal, understanding fundamental principles—when to call emergency services, how to assess severity, and what initial care looks like—prepares parents to respond effectively to common childhood injuries and medical emergencies.
