According to BS.CK2 Bui Hai Trung - Deputy Head of General Surgery Department, Children's Hospital 2, the first minutes after the accident are decisive. If given proper first aid, children can reduce the level of injury, limit complications and even be saved in time.
The doctor emphasized that the first principle is to remain calm. Parents need to remember three basic steps: ensure safety for children and those around them; quickly observe and assess the condition; perform first aid properly and call emergency 115 when necessary. After initial first aid, it is necessary to take the child to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for examination and appropriate treatment.
In case of bleeding, children should lie down or sit still, use a clean towel or gauze to press directly on the wound. If blood is absorbed through the gauze layer, do not remove it but place a new layer to avoid burning the blood clot. Absolutely do not sprinkle powder, pour cigarettes or use dirty water on the wound.
When a child is burned, it is necessary to immediately cool the damaged skin area under a cool tap of clean water for 10-20 minutes, then cover it with a gauze or clean towel. Folk remedies such as applying toothpaste, fish sauce or medicated oil can make the damage worse.
For fractures or falls suspected of injury, do not adjust arbitrarily. Keep the position, temporarily fix it with a splint or towel before taking the child to the emergency room.
In a situation of foreign object choking, if the child is still able to cough, it is recommended to continue coughing to expel the foreign object. If the child has difficulty breathing, turns purple, it is necessary to perform back taps, chest or abdominal pressure correctly and call emergency services immediately. Note not to hook the throat when the foreign object is not seen, as it can push the obstacle deeper.
According to experts, basic first aid knowledge is not only a necessary skill but also a "shield" to protect children in emergencies.
