Child Care Emergencies and the steps to take

Do I need to take my child to the emergency room after an electric shock?

Electric shock can cause burns on the skin or even affect the heart rate and breathing. The effects of electrical shock on your preschooler depends on several factors such as--- how high the voltage is, how the current passed through the body, the child’s overall health and how quickly the child was treated. Take your child immediately to a hospital for evaluation, if your child gets an electric shock.

What can I do to prevent sun burns?

Limit your child’s outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and/or after 4 p.m. in summers (from March to October). If they want to play outside, look for a shaded place in this time duration. Make them wear full-length protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants) that covers the legs and hands. Apply SPF 30 or greater broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to exposed skin about 15-20 minutes before going outdoors. Let your child wear a cap or hat that protects the head, face, nose, ears, and neck.

How do I tell if my child needs stitches for a cut?

Cuts and bruises occur commonly in children. Most of the cuts and bruises require just some disinfectant and a bandage. It is important that you know when a cut needs medical attention. Stitches for a cut are needed if

• The bleeding does not stop after pressure for 5 minutes.
• The cut is gaping or wide.
• It looks as if it is deep.
• It is on the face or neck.
• Has glass or other particles.
• Bleeding occurs in spurts. If bleeding is in spurts it may be because an artery is nicked. This needs immediate medical attention.

Deeps cuts do not heal well or may get infected if they are not stitched.

How do I know if my child needs tetanus shot after a cut?

A frequent apprehension of a parent after cuts is, if tetanus shot is needed. Your child usually does not need a tetanus shot if the last injection was given within the last 5 years. But, if the wound appears dirty or deep let your pediatrician decide if a shot in needed or not.

Tetanus shot may be needed after an injury if

• The wound was caused by rusted metallic object.
• It was contaminated with dirt or saliva.
• If an animal bites.

Tetanus shot must be preferably given as soon as possible or within 48 hours of the injury. The sooner the shot is given the lower is the risk of infection. However, for any deep or dirty wound consult your pediatrician.

Read more articles on Newborn Care