Unfortunately, accidents happen, especially when it comes to kids. Children run around the house playing tag and hide and seek, sprinting up and down the stairs. They try out new sports, learn to ride bikes and scooters, and enjoy roller skating. Sometimes, they find sharp objects and begin playing a new game with them. There are so many opportunities for your child to accidentally fall, scrape their knees, get a cut, or even a light burn. Although most accidents result in minor booboos, there are those rare times where they’re more serious.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 9.2 million children visit the emergency department for an unintentional injury each year. About 2.8 million of those are from falls. Other common include being struck by or against an object, animal or insect bites and stings, and overexertion. When a serious burn, laceration, abrasion, skin puncture, facial trauma, or complex wound occurs, it’s crucial you remain calm and take several steps to rectify the situation.
Step #1:Remain Calm
It’s important you remain calm and focus on the necessary steps toward helping your child. If you’re frantic, you’ll forget the proper measures and potentially worsen the situation. You also don’t want your child to become extremely distraught.
Step #2:Apply Pressure
If the laceration is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth for five to 10 minutes. Only stop if it becomes soaked in blood. Then, switch it out for a clean one.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 9.2 million children visit the emergency department for an unintentional injury each year
Step #3:Decide Whether Your Child Needs Medical Attention
Some injuries require more than just at-home treatment. You’ll need to call a physician or take your child to the emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure, the cut is deeper or longer than ½ inch, it’s located on the face or close to the eye, was caused by an animal or rusty object, or is showing signs of infection.
However, if your child doesn’t need medical attention, you should then wash out the area with soap and water. Remove particles from the wound and run water over it for several minutes. Apply a bandage or gauze to keep the injury dry.
Step #4:Contact Your Plastic Surgeon
You can contact your plastic surgeon on the way to the hospital, and ask them to meet you there. A plastic surgeon will ensure the injury is properly sutured and reduce the risk of scarring. They have the skill and experience to minimize this, so that over time the skin will appear smooth and nearly flawless.
Dr. Anthony Buglino specializes in pediatric laceration repairs. He ensures all children feel comfortable while receiving the best treatment possible. He gives each child a little bit of extra care, utilizing distraction techniques and providing the calmest environment possible while getting stitches.
Step #5:Follow the Physician’s Instructions
After every repair, a physician will provide you with instructions on how to care for the wound. Generally, this will advise you to keep the area dry and clean, ensure your child avoids activity that may re-injure the wound, keep a watchful eye for signs of infection, and take your child for follow-up appointments.
For more information about how to care for serious booboos, check out our laceration repair site, BooBoosRX.com. For immediate assistance and care, call us at (516) 864-0700.
