Doctor Nguyen Do Trong, a pediatric surgery specialist at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, stated that proper initial management of accidental injuries is crucial for reducing complication risks and ensuring effective treatment.

Falls, skin abrasions, lacerations, and bone fractures

Falls are common accidents among children during daily activities and play, often leading to abrasions, skin tears, bleeding, or fractures. Improper initial management can result in infection, scarring, or hinder recovery.

If a child sustains abrasions or lacerations with bleeding, parents should wash the wound with clean water, then apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding is controlled, apply an appropriate antiseptic solution or cream. For injuries to an arm or leg, elevate the affected limb above the heart to reduce blood loss. If the wound is wide, deep, gaping, bleeding profusely, or dirty, parents must take the child to a medical facility for a doctor to examine, stitch the wound, and consider tetanus vaccination.

If parents suspect a bone fracture after a fall or strong impact, keep the child still and minimize movement of the injured area. Apply a cold compress by wrapping ice in a clean cloth and gently placing it on the injury to reduce pain and swelling. Parents should not attempt to realign the bone themselves; instead, temporarily immobilize the injured limb and promptly take the child to the hospital for diagnosis and timely treatment.

Doctor Trong advises a mother on preventing common childhood accidents. Photo: Trung Vu

Doctor Trong advises a mother on preventing common childhood accidents. Photo: Trung Vu

Burns and scalds

Burns from contact with boiling water, oil, fire, fireworks, or chemicals are also common. Correct initial management helps limit damage and infection risk. For minor burns or small blisters, quickly cool the affected skin by immersing it in cool water or placing it under running tap water for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, gently clean and cover with a dry, non-adhesive dressing.

Parents should not apply toothpaste, ointments, powders, oils, or folk remedies to burns, as these can cause irritation and worsen the injury. For extensive or deep burns, large blisters, or severe pain, cover the burned area with a clean cloth, keep the child warm, and promptly take them to the hospital.

Choking on foreign objects

Choking on a foreign object is a dangerous emergency, often occurring when children eat, put small toys in their mouths, or eat while laughing or crying. For children over one year old, parents can perform the Heimlich maneuver by clenching one fist, placing it above the child's navel, grasping it with the other hand, and delivering quick, forceful upward thrusts until the object is expelled. Afterward, parents should take the child to a medical facility for a check-up.

For infants who are choking, place the infant face down on an adult's forearm, with the head lower than the body, and deliver five forceful back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object is not dislodged, turn the infant onto their back, place two fingers in the center of the chest, and deliver five chest thrusts. Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive. If first aid is ineffective or the infant shows signs of distress, parents should call emergency services or take the infant to the hospital immediately.

Poisoning from accidental ingestion of medication or chemicals

Poisoning in children occurs from accidentally ingesting medication, chemicals, cleaning products, or unsafe food. If poisoning is suspected, parents must take the child to the hospital or call emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting or administer medication or antidotes without a doctor's instruction. If the child is unconscious, place them in the recovery position to prevent aspiration. Parents should bring the suspected substance to help doctors identify its components and determine appropriate treatment.

Electric shock

In cases of electric shock, the top priority is to cut off the power source or use an insulating object to separate the child from the electrical source before touching them. Next, check for breathing and pulse. If the child stops breathing or their heart stops, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation and respiration, while simultaneously calling for emergency medical help.

Beyond mastering first aid skills, Doctor Trong advises parents to monitor the child's health status and take them to the hospital promptly after initial first aid to limit complications.

Minh Tam