Injuries and how to be prepared
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only.
Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to
make sure this information is right for your child.
First aid courses and First aid kits
It is very important to know what to do in an emergency. First aid can save lives and prevent serious injuries. Keep a first aid kit at home and in the car and remember to take one when you go on a holiday. First aid kits can be bought from a chemist, St Johns Ambulance and Australian Red Cross Society. You can also make up your own first aid kit. Buy the things you need from a chemist or supermarket, put them in an airtight container and store it out of reach of children.
For information about first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses in your local area contact:
- Australian Red Cross Society
Tel: (02) 9229 4111
- St John Ambulance
Tel: (02) 9212 1088
- The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia
Tel: (02) 9879 4699
What to include in a first aid kit
- first aid book
- adhesive tape
- bandaids
- sterile gauze pads of various sizes
- wide gauze bandages
- crepe bandages
- triangular bandages
- absorbent cotton
- plastic bag
- disposable gloves
- antiseptic liquid (or soap)
- soluble aspirin (for use on bee stings)
- liquid paracetamol
- insect repellent
- calamine lotion
- SPF 15+ sunscreen
- normal saline
- thermometer
- blunt ended tweezers
- blunt/sharp scissors
- safety pins or clips
- hot/cold packs
- emergency blanket
Include Syrup of Ipecac ONLY if you live (or will be holidaying) more than 30 minutes from medical help. Syrup of Ipecac should only be given on the advice of a doctor or the Poisons Information Centre.
Emergency phone numbers
Place a list of emergency numbers next to your telephone. Include:
- Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 000
- Poisons Information Centre (24 hours, 7 days) 13 11 26
- Local doctor
- Local hospital
Falls
The home has many places where a young child could fall. It is a good idea to be aware of these before your child gets mobile.
- Fit windows with a latch to stop them opening more than 100mm so that a child cannot climb or fall out.
- Balconies should have guard rails that a child cannot climb on.
- Remove large pot plants and furniture from balconies as children can also use them to climb.
- Fit stair gates to stairs inside the house.
- Bunk beds should not be used for children under the age of six years.
Drowning
Drowning is still a common cause of child deaths.
- Pool fencing and gates should be checked regularly and a CPR chart should be displayed in the pool area.
- An adult should supervise all children under five years of age in the bath. Remember however that children over five years of age can easily slip over in the bathroom and be in danger of drowning.
- Keep the nappy bucket in the laundry tub, so that it is out of reach of children.
Road safety
Many children die or are badly injured from pedestrian, bicycle or car accidents. Teach your children about road safety as soon as they can understand.
- The best way is to show them how to be safe when crossing the road and travelling in the car.
- Use child restraints that suit the weight of your child, adult seat belts can be used from about eight years of age.
- Have your restraints installed by a Restraint Fitting Station.
Scalds
Tea and coffee, hot water taps, kettles and saucepans are the most common causes of scalds to young children.
- Keep cups of tea and coffee near the middle of the table.
- Regulate the hot water delivered to your bathroom to 50 degrees celsius to prevent serious burns.
- Keep kettle cords out of reach of small children , or use curly cords.
- Use the back hot plates when cooking, and turn the handles to the back.
Playgrounds
Check your local playground before your child uses it. Make sure that it:
- has a soft surface under the equipment
- does not need repairs
- has platforms with guardrails
- has equipment suited to your child's age
- does not have equipment that could trap your child's head, leg, arm or fingers.
Dog bites
Children are more likely to be bitten by their family or friend's dog. To avoid dog bites:
- always supervise the under five's around dogs
- teach your child the safest way to behave around dogs
- choose the right breed for your family - ask the Petcare Information Advisory Service for help.
- Keep a first aid kit at home, in the car, and take one when you go on holidays.
- Place a list of emergency numbers near your phone.
- Regularly update your skills in First Aid and CPR.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead & Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick - 1997-2010.
This document was reviewed on Tuesday, 15 July 2003.
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