Thud. Then what?

Neville and his friends were playing the ‘perching bird’- competing to climb to the top of a tree in the shortest time possible. Unfortunately, he stepped on a weakened branch and down he came, landing with a big thud. The fortunate thing was that the tree was only 2m high so the injuries were minor.

For children, falls are a common occurrence. Falls happen as early as when the children are months’ old-thanks to overly preoccupied parents and care-takers. Learning to walk makes the plunges more frequent. And the older they grow, the more falling-prone they are exposed to-like Neville. So, how do you attend to them after uncalled for happening?

Minor injury
This is when the child is able to move after the fall, though with strain, for example, when he has a sprain.

• Pick the child up and comfort him to be taken so as to avoid falls.
• Put him on a table or let him lie down and apply ice or very cold water with a cloth to any bruise
• Give a painkiller suitable for his age
• Lay the child to rest as you monitor his progress. If you notice or the child reports pain while walking, blurred vision, or loses consciousness, seek medical help.

Major injury
Here, the head, spine or hipbones have been involved. The child has lost consciousness or is unable to move immediately or has difficulty in breathing.

• Do not move the child as he may have broken bones which will be made severe by being mobile.
• If it is absolutely necessary for him to be moved from that place he fell, let two people carry him so that his neck and back are kept straight.
• If there is any bleeding, stop it and clean the area gently.
• Call for an ambulance or seek medical help as you keep reassuring the child.
• Do not elevate his feet if there is a back or hip injury, or if it causes more pain for the child.

Avoiding falls
There are many items in the house that should be adapted, lessons for children to be taught and cautionary measures to be taken so as to avoid falls.

• If you have a staircase, clear the way as much as possible and keep it clean. One tripping for the child may cause serious injuries.
• Teach children to store their toys away after playing, to throw peels in the dustbin, and to walk carefully especially on polished floors.
• Do not leave a baby unattended on a high surface such as the bed, a sofa, an armchair or table. He may wriggle and fall. Instead, as you do your work, place the baby on a play mat on the floor or in a secure place.
• Make sure the window locks are too high for your young children. Curiosity may make them want to enjoy what’s on the other side. And before we all know it there is a thud.
• While outside, teach your child to identify dangerous situation such as hole, high unsecured places, speeding bikes and the like.
• In case of an accident, teach the other children how to help their injured friend by calling for an elder person.
• Should your child be accompanying you, walk at her pace as you hold her hand.

END: BL 28/15