British Red Cross: First Aid for a Head Injury
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British Red Cross: First Aid for a Head Injury
As the weather turns wetter and the temperatures drop, the little ones in your setting are more likely to slip or fall when exploring outside activities. This may result in a bang to the head. A child with a head injury may be in pain or have a headache. There may be a lump on their head, and they may look pale.
Here’s how to help if a child in your setting suffers a head injury:
1. Make sure they rest and apply something cold to the injury – for example, frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.
Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain. When a child has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull. This may cause a more serious head injury or concussion, which may make them feel sick or drowsy.
2. If they become sleepy, vomit or seem confused, call 999.
This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head. If you can't call 999, get someone else to do it.
Paediatric first aid training
The Red Cross two-day paediatric first aid course is compliant with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards and is perfect for individuals working with young children, including those in nurseries or as childminders.
It includes basic paediatric first aid skills, including accident reporting and administering medication for those working in a childcare setting.
Don't forget, if you're a Morton Michel policyholder, you can get a 10% discount on the British Red Cross's paediatric first aid courses via our exclusive ChildCare Club.
Please note, the information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent the views or opinions of Morton Michel.