Accidents: How to Prevent falls, choking, and other hazards

 We never want to hear a shrilling cry or scream from a child who has had an accident.  Whether they have fallen, cut them self or have gotten too close to a flaming fire, as parents we want to try to do our best to protect them.  Even if we are not a parent, we still have the same concern and compassion.  All too often we hear of or have experienced these accidents with our young children but it is possible to prevent them from even happening at all.  How is this possible?

First examine your home and take a look around to see if it is a safe environment for you and your children.  For example:  Do you have loop type handles on your kitchen drawers?  If so, you can lock them by placing a stick through the handles.  Which can also be applied to an oven door.

What about the areas where your child plays?  Make sure that the equipment is in good working condition, so that the child will not be hurt when playing with it.  If you have pools, or streams of water near your home, make sure that your child does not have access to them without adult supervision.  A few inches of water is enough for a 1 or 2 year old to drown.  If a child is between 1 and 3 years of age, avoid letting them play alone outdoors without adult supervision.  Because head injuries are difficult to treat and can cause brain damage, train your child to use a safety helmet when cycling, riding, rollerskating or tobogganing.  Many of us realize the benefits of using a seat beat for our young ones as well as adults when traveling by vehicle or taking precautions when crossing the street.  It saves lives.  Here are some practical things you can implement in your home right now by means of a checklist.

Household Chemicals.  Store them out of a child's reach and lock them away if possible.

Bookshelves.  If your child likes to climb and hang.  Secure bookcases and tall furniture to a wall to prevent them from falling over.

Hot Water.  If you can adjust the temperature of your hot water to 120 degrees Farenheit, which is about 50 degrees Celsius, to prevent scalding when they turn on the water.

Toys.  Put away toys with sharp edges or corners.  Remove small toys when a baby is on the floor.  If you have a teddy bear, make sure that the eyes and nose are secure. 

Furniture.  The same applies to furniture if it has sharp corners or edges and low to the ground, where a small child can stand up around.  Try to avoid buying it.  Make sure that you have sturdy, strong furniture, so that if they grab on it or try to pull up on it, it won't fall over on them.

Candy and Snacks.  Do not leave these items around a child's reach.  They could get stuck in a child's throat because as we know, children love to put anything in their mouth.

Accidents:

Poisoning.  If the child has swallowed some toxic liquid, rinse their mouth thoroughly and give them 1 or 2 glasses of water or milk to drink.  Then call a doctor or poison control center immediately.  If they have gotten something corrosive in their eye, immediately rinse with plenty of water and wait at least ten minutes.

Burns.  For minor burns, apply cold, but not too cold water on the injury and wait at least 20 minutes.  If the injury is bigger than a child's palm, take them to the emergency room.  Deeper skin injuries must always be treated by a doctor.

Choking.  If something has gotten stuck in your child's windpipe.  It is urgent that it be removed quickly.  Perform the Heimlich maneuver.  If you are not familiar with it, please contact your doctor or attend a first-aid or child accident course where this method is taught.