When your child learns to walk or crawl, it’s somewhat inevitable that they end up bumping their head. Whilst most cases can be treated with a cuddle and a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel, there are warning signs that might mean your child requires further medical attention.
When your child learns to walk or crawl, it’s almost unavoidable for them to end up bumping their head. Most of the time just a bit of reassurance, an ice pack and a hug is more than enough to make them feel better. You should be aware of the warning signs, should the head injury be serious and your child requires medical attention. If you child complains of persistent headache, pain in neck, looses balance, becomes unresponsive, becomes sleepy, their pupils are dilated, presents change in behaviour or hyperactive, becomes sensitive to light, has a seizure or vomits, you need to take them to A&E.
It’s important that parents understand how important it is for a child to rest after confirmed or suspected concussion. Even if your child regularly attends a sports club, has an important game or similar, full rest is vital for full recovery of the brain. Most clubs have a return-to-play policy and most often only allow a child to return back to sport after 3 weeks.
All head injuries are potentially serious because they can damage the brain and make someone lose responsiveness.
What to do:
Monitor their level of response and breathing:
- If your baby/child is unconscious but is breathing normally – hold/place in the recovery position
- If you baby/child is unconscious but is NOT breathing - commence CPR!
If the head injury is severe call 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
Stop any bleeding, by applying direct pressure and dressing over the wound.
Monitor theirs symptoms and seek medical assistance if they deteriorate
Sit them down and give them a cold compress (ice pack) for the injury
Written by Fi Ramos, Public Health Nurse & First Aid Instructor at Act2care.
Information on this site is evidence based and provided to create awareness and advice only. If you are worried about a condition, seek medical advice.
Theoretical first aid tips are beneficial, however practical demonstrations and exercises are necessary for gaining high standard of first aid knowledge and skills.
If you are interested in gaining first aid skills, contact Fi to find our more about our paediatric first aid classes at info@act2care.co.uk
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