Kid's first aid

* Obvious external bleeding. * If the wound is gushing blood an artery may have been punctured.

* Press firmly on the wound (with a clean cloth or your palm). * Raise Injured Part to above the line of the heart. * Lay child down keeping injured part high. * Continue to press on the wound. * Bandage a sterile dressing firmly, but not too tightly in place over the pad. If bleeding continues do not remove original dressing, place another dressing over the top and maintain pressure. * Keep injured part raised and supported. NOTE: DO NOT try to remove objects that are embedded in a wound as you may cause further damage and bleeding. Make a dressing around the injury.

* Seek medical attention. * If bleeding does not stop treat for shock and call an Ambulance

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Note: DO NOT remove any clothing or material that may be sticking to the burned area.

* If no cold water is available, use another cool liquid such as milk. * Cool burn with cold water (preferably running water) for at least 20 minutes. * Remove cooled clothing and cool injury again. Cut around material that is sticking to the burn. * Do not touch the burn or burst any blisters. * Cover burn loosely with clean non-fluffy material, plastic bag or kitchen film. * DO NOT give anything to eat or drink and watch for signs of shock.

* Seek medical attention. * Call an ambulance if necessary

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* Breathing is obstructed. * Sudden clutching at the throat. * Face may turn blue. * Trying to cry or speak, but making strange noises or no sound.

A Choking Baby DO NOT shake a baby or hold it upside down.

* Lay the baby face down with its head low and chin supported by your hand. * Give 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades. If this does not clear the blockage give up to 5 chest thrusts. * Chest Thrust for a baby. * Place baby on its back on a firm surface. * Place two fingers in the CPR compression position. * Give 5 chest thrusts, sharper but slower than CPR. * Check in the mouth for the obstruction. * Call an ambulance if obstruction has not been cleared. * Repeat steps until help arrives or the obstruction is cleared. * Monitor breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate.

* Encourage the child to try to cough up the object if possible. * Bend child forward and give 5 sharp slaps between the shoulder blades. * If back blows fail commence chest thrusts checking to see airway is clear after each thrust. * Chest thrusts for an older child: * These can be given either standing, lying or sitting. * Identify the same point on the sternum as when doing CPR * Place on hand on the back for support and one hand on the sternum if child is upright. * Thrusts should be sharp and delivered at a slower pace than compressions. * Look in the mouth for the obstruction after each thrust. * Call an ambulance if the obstruction has not cleared. * Repeat steps until help arrives or the obstruction is cleared. * Monitor breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate.

* Call an ambulance if obstruction has not been cleared.

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* Seek medical advice.

* The child may be flushed and sweating with a hot forehead. * The eyes may roll upwards, be fixed or squinting. * Face may look blue if they are holding their breath. * The back may be arched and stiff. * Fists may be clenched.

* Place the child on their side on the floor or large flat area for safety. * Remove objects from nearby that may cause injury. * After the convulsion has stopped, remove excessive clothing to assist with cooling. DO NOT attempt to cool by sponging or bathing.

* Seek medical advice.

* DO NOT try to make your child vomit as this can cause further harm. * Identify the poison the child has taken. Chemical/alcohol/medicine/plant. * Call the Poisons Information centre 13 11 26 (AUS) 0800 764 766 (NZ). * Follow their advice.

* Call the Poisons Information centre 131126 (AUS) 0800 764 766 (NZ). * Seek medical attention.

* A pair of puncture marks. * Severe pain, redness and swelling around the bite. * Vomiting. * Disturbed vision and increased salivation and sweating. * Breathing difficulties.

* DO NOT let your child walk. * Lie the child down and keep still. * Apply firm pressure to the bite area and bandage firmly from the fingers or toes, moving up the limb as far as can be reached. * Redback spider bite – Apply Icepack to bite and call an ambulance.

* Call an ambulance

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* Try to identify the spider or snake.