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First Aid Basics for Families
 

Preventing childhood injuries and ensuring a child's safety is a priority for any caregiver. Parents and Head Start start members can use these tools to prepare for accidents and injuries in their homes and centers.

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First Aid Basics for Families


Home First Aid Kits

home made first aid kit

Tips For Assembling An Effective First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen to anyone almost anywhere. It is important that every home, and especially those with children, have a first aid kit on hand in case of accidental injuries...

The American College of Emergency Physicians suggests that these items be in your Home First Aid Kit:

  • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin tablets
  • Cough Suppressant
  • Antihistamine
  • Decongestant tablets
  • Oral medicine syringe (for children)
  • Bandages of assorted sizes. Full text»

Teaching Your Child How to Use 911

picture of a phone

One of the challenges you have as a parent is to help your child acquire the skills to work through whatever obstacles life presents. Teaching your child how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest - and most important - lessons you'll ever share. Full text»

Beware of Bug Bites and Stings

picture of a bee

Most reactions to bees and other stinging insects are mild, but severe allergic reactions can be deadly. An allergic reaction can occur even if a person has been stung before with no complications.

Here are tips for preventing and treating bites and stings. Full text»

Burns Fact Sheet

burned ankle

What is a burn?

A burn is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or nuclear radiation. The most common burns are those caused by scalds, building fires, and flammable liquids and gases.

  • First-degree burns affect only the outer layer (the epidermis) of the skin.
  • Second-degree burns damage the epidermis and the layer beneath it (the dermis).
  • Third-degree burns involve damage or complete destruction of the skin to its full depth and damage to underlying tissues. People with third-degree burns often need skin grafts. Full text»

Prevent Burns on Hot Metal Playground Equipment

girl on a slide

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises parents to check for hot surfaces on metal playground equipment before allowing young children to play on it. Solid steel decks, slides, or steps in direct sunlight may reach temperatures high enough to cause serious contact burn injuries in a matter of seconds. Full text»  [PDF, 86.5KB]

 

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First Aid Basics for Families. HHS/ACF/OHS. 2008. English.