SickKid.Net - A Parent's Guide to First Aid Facts, Page 3

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If this is a possible life-threatening illness or injury, call 911 immediately.

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Care for an Injury with R.I.C.E.!

If your child has a minor strain or sprain, it can be painful, but you may not need to head to the emergency department immediately. Instead, try R.I.C.E.

Rest - As soon as your child complains of pain, make sure he or she rests the injured joint or muscle.

Ice - To avoid swelling, apply ice (wrapped in a towel to avoid frostbite) to the injured area in 20-minute sessions every 3 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours.

Compression - Wrap the injured area firmly with an elastic compression bandage, found at your local drugstore.

Elevation - Raise the injured area on pillows or cushions to prevent swelling.

A Parent's Guide to

First Aid Facts (cont.)

Heimlich Maneuver: The Heimlich maneuver is performed when a child 1 year or older is choking, but cannot breathe, speak, or cough. Stand behind the child with your arms wrapped around his or her waist. Clasp your hands together in a fist, with your thumb facing in, and place it directly below the rib cage and above the navel. Press your fist into the child's abdomen with a quick upward thrust, and repeat until the item is dislodged.

In an infant younger than 1 year that is choking but conscious, position the baby face down on your forearm with your arm resting on your knees. Using the heel of your other hand, administer four firm blows between the infant's shoulder blades until the item is dislodged. If the item is not dislodged, turn the baby over. Position your index and middle fingers two finger widths below a central point between your baby's nipples. Give four quick thrusts. If the item is not dislodged, turn the baby over and repeat the process until the item is dislodged.

Ronald A. Christensen, M.D., Medical Advisor

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