Medical Care and Children

All of know that our children need to visit the doctorbut accidents happen. You may not be sure if the
for regular checkups and when running a fever, butinjury is bad enough to warrant calling for emergency
many parents do not know what to do in anhelp unless you see quite a bit of blood, or if your child
emergency type situation.is unconscious and this may lead to serious problems if
Every year in the US, fourteen million children will beyou are not sure.
injured and have to seek medical attention. Would youSome of the signs to look for to let you know you
believe that every day 24,000 children under the ageshould call for help is if your child is acting withdrawn
of 15 need emergency medical care?and less alert, if he or she is acting different than
This is a staggering amount of injuries and for childrennormal, if they are having problems breathing, if the skin
between the ages of 5 to 14 this is a life threateningor lips begin to look blue or purple, body jerking,
number, as injuries are to blame for more than threeknocked out teeth, severe or constant pain anywhere
times as many lives as the second leading cause ofon the body, a severe headache or vomiting after
death. Injuries are the number one cause of death andhitting their head, and unresponsive.
with that type of lead over the second cause ofYou can also help in keeping your children safe by
death; parents need to know what to do.placing all kinds of fireworks, firearms, and harmful
The best thing for a parent to do in case of anchemicals out of their reach. This also includes such
accident is to call 9-1-1 first before moving the child. Initems as gasoline for the lawn mower, matches,
some cases, moving the child can be very dangerouscigarette lighters, sharp kitchen knives, candles, and
and even life threatening.other items that could cause harm to a young child.
During the summer months, your children are outFor outside play, ensure they wear helmets while riding
playing and are at risk of having all kinds of accidentsbikes and skateboards. Teach them to ride safely and
from bike wrecks, firework injuries, burns, nearto watch for cars. Prevention is of course the better
drowning, cuts, and broken bones. There is no way toway to go, however, when an accident does occur,
avoid injuries, you can teach your children to be safestay calm and call for help.